Heart Theatre Board President Amy Van Bergen Receives National Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award

Self Advocate Edwin Alvarado shows off the lifetime service award with Van Bergen whom he has known since he was born. He, along with 2,000+ participants, attended the national convention July 22-26.

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — The Heart Theatre, Inc. is proud to celebrate Board President Amy Van Bergen, who was recently honored this past month with the Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award, one of the highest recognitions presented by the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC).

Presented annually, the award recognizes individuals whose lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and service has made a lasting impact on the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Van Bergen has helped shape programs, influence public policy, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and create opportunities that have improved the lives of thousands of individuals across the country.

While the national award recognizes her work in the Down syndrome community, those who know Amy understand that her passion has always extended beyond any one cause. At the heart of everything she does is a simple belief: communities are stronger when every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

That same philosophy inspired her to purchase the historic Heart Theatre in downtown Effingham and donate it to the nonprofit organization leading its restoration.

"The Heart Theatre has never been just a building," said Van Bergen. "It's a place where generations of families have laughed together, celebrated milestones, discovered the arts, and made lifelong memories. Preserving this landmark isn't simply about restoring bricks and mortar—it's about investing in people and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. I have been incredibly blessed throughout my career to work alongside extraordinary individuals and families, and this award belongs just as much to them as it does to me."

The Heart Theatre Board of Directors says Van Bergen's leadership has been instrumental in bringing the restoration project from vision to reality.

"Amy has spent her life helping people see possibilities where others see obstacles," said Brett Ward, Vice President of The Heart Theatre Board of Directors. "Whether she's advocating for individuals with Down syndrome, leading nonprofit organizations, or championing the restoration of The Heart Theatre, she brings people together around a shared vision of hope, opportunity, and community. This national recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we are honored to serve alongside her."

Board members note that although Van Bergen is often uncomfortable being the focus of recognition, they felt it was important to celebrate an achievement that reflects decades of service.

"If you know Amy, you know she would much rather shine the spotlight on someone else," said Carrie Rodman, Heart Theatre Board Member. "She has spent her career quietly lifting others up, mentoring leaders, building organizations, and creating opportunities for people to succeed. We wanted our community to know just how extraordinary her lifetime of service has been and how fortunate we are to have her leading the restoration of The Heart."

The timing of the award comes as The Heart Theatre continues building momentum toward its $5 million capital campaign to restore the nearly 90-year-old landmark into a vibrant center for entertainment, education, community events, and the performing arts.

For Van Bergen, the connection between her life's work and The Heart Theatre is clear.

"Every community deserves places where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can gather, learn, celebrate, and experience joy together," she said. "That's exactly what The Heart can become once again. I believe this project will create opportunities not only for artists and audiences, but also for local businesses, nonprofits, schools, families, and future generations. That's a vision worth working toward."

The Heart Theatre Board extends its heartfelt congratulations to Amy Van Bergen on receiving the Sig Pueschel Legacy of Service Award and thanks her for the vision, compassion, and servant leadership she continues to bring to both the national disability community and the City of Effingham.