Downers Grove's Cindy Johnson Named Runner-Up in GM's 'Our Town, Our Heroes' Contest

Downers Grove resident Cindy Johnson was named runner-up Wednesday in Our Town, Our Heroes, a General Motors program that recognizes unsung heroes in communities across Illinois.

Johnson, who was named one of three finalists earlier this month, came in second place to Chicago's Rae Lewis-Thornton by only 10 votes out of 1,193 total votes cast, according to program spokesperson Stevie Hoey.

As the runner-up, Johnson will receive a one week loan of a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle, Hoey said.

“Cindy has shown leadership, commitment and consideration through her volunteer efforts in the community,” said Brian Goebel, General Motors North Central Region Communications Manager. “We’re honored and thrilled to share Cindy’s story not only with her fellow residents in Downers Grove, but with the rest of the state as well.”

Johnson was nominated by her friend, Aimee Grover, for her positivity, caring and thoughtfulness, as well as her work with various community organizations, such as the West Suburban Humane Society, the Morton Arboretum and Sharing Connections, a furniture resource for people in need.

In her nomination, Grover described Johnson’s unwavering friendship, writing, “Cindy is the friend who is there to help whenever you’re in a bind. She shows so much love for our kids by taking time to talk with them and staying involved in their lives. Cindy is one of most wonderful and inspiring people I know.”

Grover will also receive a one-week loan of a General Motors vehicle.

General Motors launched the Our Town, Our Heroes program in 2011 to recognize and reward unsung heroes who are inspiring and empowering others in their local communities. Every month, the program narrows down the nominations, and opens voting to the public to select the winner.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the final two local heroes of 2012. The deadline for inclusion in the next round is Friday, Sept. 28. In November, the program will spotlight military heroes.

For more information, visit DrivingtheMidwest.com.

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