Bolingbrook Announces 2026 Grand Marshal, Citizens Of The Year And Family Of The Year

BOLINGBROOK, IL — At its Sept. 8 board meeting, the Bolingbrook Village Board honored its 2026 Grand Marshal, female citizen of the year, male citizen of the year and the family of the year.

All of the honorees will participate in the Pathways Parade on Sept. 13, the Village shared. The parade will step off on Sunday, and the 2026 Jubilee Festival is a three-day celebration from Sept. 11-13 at the Bolingbrook Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road.

The Village announced Donald Sale as Grand Marshal, Maria Velasquez-Gloeckle as female citizen of the year, Mir Ali as male citizen of the year, and the Daunis Family as family of the year.

"These residents have gone above and beyond to support our community," the Village said.

The Village provided some information on each honoree below:

2026 Grand Marshal

Donald Sale is a life-long resident and known as Bolingbrook’s “Man About Town.” When he isn’t working at Target, Don can often be found attending Village events.

"His enthusiasm for Bolingbrook and his love for the community has made him a familiar and beloved face at events throughout the Village," the Village said.

He is also a graduate and a past Student of the Year at Little Friends in Naperville.

2026 Female Citizen of the Year

A Bolingbrook resident for 30 years, Maria Velasquez-Gloeckle has dedicated countless hours to strengthening and celebrating her community. After serving on the Beautification Commission beginning in 2023 and later becoming its chair, Maria took on a leadership role as Chair of the Bolingbrook Special Events Commission.

Through her volunteer leadership, she has helped support numerous community traditions and events, including Arbor Day, the Village Picnic, iFest, Jubilee, the Pathways Parade, Festival of Lights, Santa Send-Off and seasonal beautification programs. Maria’s commitment extends beyond event planning—she works closely with volunteers, Village staff, businesses and community organizations to bring these events to life. Her daughter, Keyana, now serves alongside her on the Special Events Commission, continuing the family’s commitment to community service.

2026 Male Citizen of the Year

For more than two decades, Mir Ali has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to Bolingbrook. He has served on numerous community boards and committees and currently serves as Chair of the Bolingbrook Plan Commission.

One of Mir’s greatest contributions has been through cricket and youth development. Nearly 18 years ago, he founded the Bolingbrook Premier League (BPL). Through the League’s “Wickets Not Tickets” program, he has also provided mentorship and support to underserved youth and newly arrived immigrant families, the Village said.

Mir has been a longtime leader with the Association of Pakistani Americans of Bolingbrook and has received numerous honors for his community service, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.

2026 Bolingbrook Family of the Year

Jim, Jennifer and daughter Addie Daunis

"The Daunis family exemplifies the spirit of community service through their commitment to helping others, volunteering and giving back to the community they call home," the Village shared.

Jennifer Daunis founded the Bolingbrook Community Closet in September 2025 after realizing there was a need for a way to provide gently used clothing directly to local families at no cost. What began with collecting clothing from garage sales quickly grew into a community-wide effort. In its first year, the Community Closet has held six events and provided clothing to more than 3,000 people, including everyday and professional clothing, winter items, and Prom and Homecoming attire.

Jennifer’s husband, Jim Daunis Jr., is a Bolingbrook native, community volunteer and elected trustee of the Fountaindale Public Library District. Jim became involved with the Library District after attending board meetings as a member of the public and was later elected to the Board of Trustees, where he currently serves through 2029. His commitment to civic engagement extends beyond the library, including supporting local charitable efforts and volunteering at community events.

Together, Jennifer and Jim have made community service a family effort, with their daughter Addie actively learning from their example. Through the Community Closet, library service, charitable activities and volunteerism, the Daunis family demonstrates how one family’s willingness to help can make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of others.