Chris McGrath Honored with Community Service Award

Our Lady of the Lake is proud of "community hero" Chris McGrath

Anyone that works with volunteers knows that often they go about their business of making a difference and assisting others relatively unnoticed. Well that just changed for Chris McGrath when he received the Community Service Award from Euclid Hospital.

Chris accepted the award surrounded by family, friends and those that have benefited from his hard work over the years. Some of those that have benefited from Chris' dedication include:

Villa Angela-St. Joseph High school where Chris graduated in 1969,

St. Christine Church and Our Lady of the Lake Church where Chris serves as a Eucharistic Minister, Usher and a member of the Parish Life Committe.

Collinwood neighborhood where Chris and his wife, Linda, have lived for 30 years. It is there they raised their children, Erin, Katie and Matthew and enjoy their grandchildren Liam and Regan.

When he is home, McGrath focuses on many community initiatives including Block Watch, assisting neighbors with housing issues, and working to keep his community safe by checking on his neighbors and keeping an eye on vacant homes. He also serves on the Board at the Collinwood Recreation Center.

“When I heard about this award, I was very humbled,” McGrath said. “It actually brought tears to my eyes.”

In typical fashion, McGrath recognized the many others who do so much for the community. In particular, he spoke of fellow Viking parent and longtime volunteer Jim Tobin, who played an integral part in McGrath’s quick treatment for the stroke he suffered over a year ago.

Although the things that McGrath does while volunteering are useful, most people would agree that it is the great love for his community that he demonstrates while serving that makes him special. Chris acts as an ambassador for all of the organizations that he serves.   He continues to be committed to making Euclid where he works and Collinwood where he lives safer, friendlier places, all the while providing a great example for others and encouraging those around him to do the same.

So we at Our Lady of the Lake Church add our congratulations and heartfelt thanks for all that you do, Chris!

Dana Heil, Pastoral Minister, Our Lady of the Lake

Dana Heil, Pastoral Minister, Our Lady of the Lake

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Volume 6, Issue 1, Posted 5:40 PM, 01.26.2015