Barrington Hills Man Awarded with Ellis Island Medal of Honor

A Barrington Hills resident was one of 104 people to be recognized with the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

David Hirsch was given the honor this year by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations, or NECO. The medals are presented to individuals who have made a significant difference from a humanitarian perspective.

“One of the things that they made reference to was the significant things I’ve done in responsible fathering,” Hirsch said. “I’ve created a number of organizations…it was very humbling.”

The main responsible fathering initiative that Hirsch has founded is called the Illinois Fathers Initiative, or IFI. Through programs and education, IFI’s goal is to connect children and fathers by promoting responsible fathering and to help equip men to become better fathers or father-figures.

Most recently, Hirsch and his wife have also created teamdad.com, a social business aimed at creating a social impact by inspiring all dads to become great parents.

On May 12, Hirsch was recognized by NECO on Ellis Island along with several notable citizens including: U.S. Army Joint Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odinero, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, the First Lady of El Salvadore, Dr. Vanda Pignato, Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Brooke Shields.