Pastor Paul White receives Frank E. Low Award

The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce selected Church of Holy Apostles pastor Paul White to receive its highest honor.

The Frank E. Low Award is awarded to someone who inspired people to give selflessly to the area, the Chamber said in a news release. A role model for compassion and service, White’s commitment to improving the lives of those around him go “above and beyond his typical pastoral duties.”

“Father Paul has demonstrated time and again that he is a team-builder,” said Sue Meyer, who nominated White for the award. “When he learned about St. Baldrick’s Day, he didn’t just volunteer to have his head shaved, he set out to form one of the largest teams to ever participate in the event, with people of all ages and aspects of our community joining to raise funds for battling pediatric cancer.”

White also was instrumental in starting a free dinner every Monday night for anyone needing a meal in the community and began a food distribution event every Wednesday near the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, while motivating local businesses to get involved in the process.

“Father Paul has been a great support system for our hospital employees during COVID,” Meyer said. “He works alongside them to care for the sick, he supports them and does his best to let them know how much they are appreciated.”

White was given the award at the Chamber’s annual gala Jan. 29.