2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Finalist
Heart of Illinois Harvest
Masterplan Financial Group
Commonwealth Financial Network
William Lervaag is one of the original founders of Heart of Illinois Harvest, a non-profit food rescue organization. For the past twenty-six years, William has been working tirelessly to rescue surplus food and deliver it to local agencies, who in turn feed it to the hungry of Peoria, Illinois. William’s dedication to feeding the needy and serving his community selflessly are unmatched.
Each week, 57 Harvest volunteer members transport approximately 7.2 tons of surplus food from 55 different donors to more than 70 charitable agencies. William has been at the center of this action for more than two decades, organizing volunteers, building partnerships, fundraising and acting as the overall champion of the organization. Harvest is able to operate this immense rescue program with only one paid, part-time staffer thanks to William’s unwavering support and energy. Since 1992, Harvest has transported more than 10,224 tons of food, which translates to more than 25 million meals that would have otherwise gone to the landfill.