We want to thank all of our businesses for their outstanding participation and hospitality as well as our sponsors for their generosity. Our Village employees did an outstanding job, so a great big THANK YOU to Joe Pisano and Public Works Department, Chief George Kudrna and the Police Department and Chief Mike Kuryla and Fire Department for coming together, not only working, but displaying their equipment for the Children's enjoyment in order to make this a great evening. I also want to thank Russ Wajda, Trustee Carol Bibly, Police Dispatchers Dorothy O’Dea and Roseanne Terry for enduring the heat under those fantastic costumes that help entertain everyone on the 'walk'. Once again the 'Dream Team' (all of our departments) came together to make another a fantastic event a reality.

To make any event run smoothly, volunteers are essential. A special Thank You to Tony and Nancy Faragia and OUR ESDA VOLUNTEERS whose help is INVALUABLE. The Village Hall Administration Staff, Debby Leonard, Sue Voelker, Bunny Creswell, Janet Smolke and Pat Zygler deserve a big round of applause for volunteering their time. A great big thank you to our photographers Noreen Thermos and Bryan Belmonte who made sure every aspect of the 'Walk' was captured on film. Thank you to Dave and Brandy Larrance, Bill Belmonte and Sue Hayes for taking endless pictures of the children for Christmas memories and for doing a super job as Santa’s Helpers along with volunteers John Flood, Len Belmonte, Maura Finn, and Rich Arons. 

And, of course thank you to Pam Smith and the staff of the Hillside Library along with the terrific members of the Youth Commission, Denise Hansen, Barb Ganschow and Maria Tamburino for their artistic ability of transforming the Library into 'Santa’s Wonderland', and for their long hours and hard work in preparation for this night and for providing the 250 treat bags. We thank members Kathy Elizondo and Don Balslew who worked that night and also hand-dipped 550 pretzels that were truly enjoyed by everyone. Of course, a big thank to our Web Page Designers/Editors, Matt and Mark Flood. Check out www.hillside-il.org for updated pictures of the Christmas Walk.

We also appreciate the participation of the East Leyden High Chorus and the Proviso West Band whose beautiful music not only put us in a holiday mood, but also made Santa’s arrival a moment to remember. Mayor Tamburino, Clerk O’Sullivan and the Board of Trustees need to be thanked for their generosity in providing a special gift from Santa. Of course, we must thank the 'Jolly Man in the Red Suit' ...STEVE MAYOR, who once again so willingly and graciously gave of his time listening patiently to everyone’s Christmas wishes... he always brightens up our Christmas in Hillside!

We thank the Chamber of Commerce Members for co-hosting another great event, especially the Christmas Walk Committee... Mayor Joe Tamburino, Evelyn Belmonte, Sue Voelker (Village of Hillside), Jim & Carol Luurs (Luurs Garden and Flower Shoppe) Carmen Baldo (Special T Unlimited) Pam Smith (Hillside Library), Mary Jeans (Triton College) and Patty Asaro (Hillside Chamber).Of course, Mother Nature is owed a great big thank you for giving us terrific weather! 

We are also proud to announce that our special 'Most Elite on the Street' award will be given to RAIMONDI’S BAKERY for their beautiful decorations and great hospitality. Congratulations to all and we hope everyone had a great time!