The United Way of the Bradford Area will honor a local business
and a well-known couple with the 2007 Red Feather Volunteer
Award.
American Refining Group and Stephen and Marmie Hodges will
receive their awards during a breakfast May 1 at the University of
Pittsburgh at Bradford.
“This award was designed to recognize the outstanding efforts of
a volunteer (or volunteers) to this organization, and this year’s
honorees certainly deserve to be recognized,” said executive
director Kristen Tate Luther.
The United Way’s affiliation with American Refining Group began
in 1932, when the refinery was owned by Kendall. The refinery
became the first Bradford business to conduct an employee appeal,
allowing for payroll deduction.
“That is so significant because that option is exclusive to the
United Way,” said assistant director Amanda Wilton Davis. “So this
company really laid the ground work for the biggest aspect of our
annual appeal.
“Aside from that, they offer so much support to our organization
annually and remain committed to making a difference in Bradford
through not only the United Way, but so many community
initiatives.”
Stephen and Marmie Hodges have continued to play a part in the
success of the organization beyond his role as campaign chairman in
1971, raising $188,000.
“One of my favorite United Way stories is that of Mr. Hodges,
and his commitment to ensuring the annual appeal reaches goal,”
Luther said. “Whenever he gets the opportunity , he still stops
into the office to tell us that he and his wife are proud of us
(the United Way) for continually succeeding not just with the money
we raise, but with the impact we make.”
Gus Crissman will also be recognized at the event with a “United
Way To Go” award. Crissman has been at the forefront of the United
Way’s annual kick-off event, the pig roast/clam bake.
“Aside from his responsibilities with the pig roast itself, Gus
spends the entire day with the other volunteers,” Davis said.
“Helping to set up and organize many of the details for that
night.”
The businesses and organizations which had all their employees
contribute to the 2006 campaign will receive “United Way To Go”
awards.
The breakfast is free and open to the public through the
sponsorships from McCourt Label, Minard Run Oil and SuperUser
Solutions.
“We are so appreciative of the sponsorships offered from these
local businesses, which do so much to support the United Way
year-round,” Luther said.
Past recipients of the Red Feather award include Jim Sekel, Doug
Bell, Craig Hartburg, Kelly Case, Northwest Savings Bank, Betsy
Costello and Diana Ferguson.
Reservations for the breakfast may be made until April 20 by
contacting the United Way office by phone or e-mail at
uwba@penn.com.
