The Phoenixville area has a great tradition of community giving. On Friday November 14th four individuals, who exemplify such a giving spirit, will be honored by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation as Champions of the Community.
What does it take to become a Community Champion? A long term commitment to volunteerism for the betterment of the greater Phoenixville area.
The Champions of the Community Award Program was created by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation in the year 2000 to honor area citizens – unsung heroes – who freely give their time, talents and resources to make our communities a better place to live, to work and to play. Since that time thirty-one people have been recognized as Champions.
This year twenty-three nominations were received from within the greater Phoenixville area. An independent selection committee chaired by Lynn Pike Hartman, Foundation Senior Program Officer, gave consideration to each nominee and chose four as 2008 Champions of the Community. As a part of their award, each Champion receives a $2,000 donation, made in their name, to the charities of their choosing. These Champions, as well as all the 2008 nominees, were honored at a luncheon on November 14th, held at the Phoenixville Country Club.
Kathy Bestwick was nominated for her tireless work creating, growing and managing the Phoenix Village Art Center. The Center has become a cornerstone of the downtown revitalization. Additionally, due to Bestwick’s commitment, programs are brought to at-risk children in Phoenixville, and scholarships have been established to make the Center accessible to children and the elderly.
Art Munson was nominated for his commitment to affordable housing through the missions of several organizations: Open Hearth, Good Works, and Habitat for Humanity. Munson has made volunteering a way of life for over thirty years.
Cheryl Messere was nominated for a life-time of commitment to people. She has volunteered with the Phoenixville Hospital Cancer Center, the People to People Mission, the Kindergarten Center, the Phoenix Mural Project, KARE (Kids And Retired Teachers), and the Kimberton Auxiliary. Messere, a retired art teacher from Schuylkill Elementary, uses her talents for the betterment of the community.
Sister Emma Mary Steckel was nominated for her work in establishing the St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter for homeless families. Over the past nineteen years the shelter has served 419 families under her caring watch. Even during cancer treatments Sister Emma came to the shelter to cook and tidy, dedicating her last bits of energy for the families of St. Mary’s.
Louis J. Beccaria, President and CEO of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation said, “The Foundation strives to be a champion of community health … physical, mental, social, economic, and health through cultural diversity. Each year we search for those ‘unsung heroes’ of our community – those who are often overlooked for their efforts to make the greater Phoenixville area a better place.”
Hartman added, “In every segment of our Phoenixville community people are reaching out and giving back. As we received this year’s nominations we were again awed by the commitment of so many people who quietly give of their time and talents day in and day out.”