The Joseph C. Vallez Award was created in 2019 by The North Berwyn Park District Board of Commissioners to be bestowed upon a community member who emulates outstanding service, exceptional leadership, visionary guidance, and dedication in improving the quality of life in the City of Berwyn.
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This years recipient goes to Tom Benson, Owner of The World's Largest Laundromat.
It might sound cliché, but if you were to look up the definitions of these traits in a dictionary, a picture of Tom would be right next to it.

When you are driving in Berwyn and come to the intersection of Cermak and Highland, you will see a huge building with a big sign that says “World’s Largest Laundromat,” the first thing that comes to mind is a place where you simply walk into to clean your clothes. Get in, get out, and continue on with your day…where you could go unnoticed because you are just a customer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Inside of this Laundromat is a man who cares about his customers as individuals. Cares about his community and making it a better place. Cares about making a difference in other people’s lives.

Mr. Benson bought the World’s Largest Laundromat in 1999. Since that time he has made an effort to run a family oriented business. From having doughnuts and pizza for his customers to bringing in Kid Entertainers to keep the kids interested while the parents get their laundry done.

He began a reading incentive program called the Read to Ride Program, where kids read over the summer and are entered into a raffle to win a brand new bicycle. The purpose of this program was to keep kids reading. Some of his customers expressed to him that their young Spanish speaking children lose some of their English skills over the summer since mostly Spanish is spoken at home. This program helped those children continue to practice their English and continue to grow.

In 2000, Tom joined the Berwyn Development Corporation because he needed to be more involved in the community. The BDC has been a huge supporter of the Best of Berwyn Program throughout the years.

In 2012, he held an open forum with the Immigration Department where individuals were able to discuss with counsellors about their issues. The community trusted Tom and it was a great turn out.

And if you have ever sat outside at Morton West High School on the 4th of July, it is thanks to Tom Benson that we once again have fireworks in the City of Berwyn. We are very excited that we will be able to continue on with that tradition again this year. Tom just continues year-after-year to create those special connections with the community that improves the lives of those around him.

Tom has never looked for the spotlight. He never looked for accolades. There are things that Tom does for the community that he doesn’t even want to be acknowledged for but they certainly do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for all you do!!!

When you DREAM big, BELIEVE in your talents, and strive to ACHIEVE your highest goals and aspirations…anything is possible.”

Congratulations Tom Benson!!

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