The City of Valparaiso has named Paul Sommer as its Good Neighbor recipient for 2024, recognizing his exemplary commitment to the community. “Paul Sommer sees a need and works to fill it, benefiting so many, including the local running community, families of kids with disabilities and those with ALS, among others. He leverages his love for endurance sports to raise funds for causes he cares about and we’re so pleased to highlight his good work,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
Paul Sommer is a Valparaiso podiatrist who has lived in Valparaiso for more than 50 years. He has translated his talent for endurance sports into ways to raise funds for philanthropic causes. In 2011 he carried Kyle Polhemus through the Valpo triathlon to raise money for those with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy. Later he completed a long distance open water swim to raise funds for Kyle’s needs and to help begin the Kyle’s Legacy Foundation in Kyle’s name. He has carried children through triathlons, organized efforts for soldiers and families in Ukraine and, most recently, was the top fundraising swimmer in the inaugural two-mile Chicago River Swim to fund research for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
The City of Valparaiso introduced the Good Neighbor recognition program in 2020 to promote neighborhood involvement and community service. To learn more about the annual Good Neighbor recognition, view the nominees and learn how to nominate someone, visit the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.
