Local volunteers recognized during award ceremony, luncheon – Beverly Hosby, of CCAP/ Loaves and Fishes

• By Breanna Francis francs@journal-news.net

MARTINSBURG — A Spring Mills High School student was just one of many local leaders recognized for their philanthropy work in the Eastern Panhandle Friday afternoon in honor of National Philanthropy Day.

The distinguished volunteer recognition luncheon, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, awarded recipients medals of honor in celebration of the National Philanthropy Day theme to “change the world with a giving heart.”
The AFP is a professional association of individuals and organizations that generates philanthropic support for a variety of charitable institutions.

“We do have community members that give so much of their time and efforts, and to be able to honor them with an award is amazing,” Kelly Tanksley, of the National Philanthropy Day committee, said. “And to recognize corporate philanthropist and the youth, it’s a complete circle. Sometimes people do things, and it’s not ever recognized, and it’s really nice that we can do this. Most of the time they are surprised, they don’t think they deserve it, but they all have done some wonderful things for this community and just make things happen so this today is so important to continue that philanthropy work here.”

The ceremony recognized Olivia Watson, from Spring Mills High School’s Rotary InterAct club, who received the Youth in Philanthropy award.
According to the program, Watson has helped to grow the club from a handful of volunteers to a committed group of 30 students who have helped to “make the community a better place.”

Watson is described as someone who not only “talks the talk but walks the walk” and as someone who has been instrumental in helping the club to participate in a variety of community care projects.

In addition to the student recognition, Bill and Bonnie Stubblefield, as a couple, were awarded the medal for Individual Philanthropist of the Year.
According to the program presentation, the Stubblefields received this award because, as described by officials, their philanthropy has touched and enhanced the Eastern Panhandle.

The ceremony also saw W. Harley Miller Contractors, Inc. honored as the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year for the company donations and support of “countless causes for decades in the community” and “leaving an indelible impact on the greater Martinsburg community.”

Recipients of the distinguished volunteer medals include:

•  Matt Close, of Blue Ridge CTC Foundation.
• W. Blake Curtis, of Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.
•  Richard W. “Rich” Duesing, of The Village at orchard Ridge.
•  Mary Duke, of Hospice of the Panhandle.
• •Beth Falu, of United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
•  Michael Funk, of Panhandle Home Health.
•  Beverly Hosby, of CCAP/ Loaves and Fishes.
•  Rob Humphrey, of Foundation of the State Arboretum.
• Marty and Carol Kable, of the Rotary Club of Charles Town.
•  Marie Keegin, of United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.
• Dena Morgan, of Horses with Hearts.
•  Pete Mulford, of Martinsburg Rotary Club.
• Elizabeth “Libba” Pendleton, of Fremont Street Nursery.
• Richard “Rick” Pill, of WVU Medicine.
• Gail Shade, of Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle.
• Mary Catherine Slemenda, of Girl Scout Council of Nation’s Capital.
• Arlene Verge, of Morgan County Starting Points.
• Jim Whitacre, of Sunrise Rotary Club – Martinsburg.

To read article click here.