You were the clearcut choice of your colleagues to receive this award. In your 12
years as PPL's Volunteer Program Manager, you have developed one of the best
volunteer programs in the city, with nearly a thousand participants last year. Obviously
your spirit is contagious. More important than your program's success is the example you
have set for others. You willingly work evenings and weekends to train volunteers. Your
colleagues know they can always count on you for help. When we asked them to describe
you, they called you compassionate, a gentle listener, a man of values, political views,
and faith. They said you are constructive even in negative situations, that you have taught
them what you all can accomplish together, and that you recognize the potential in
everyone. Your respect and acceptance of all kinds of people has helped others
understand that people are all more equal than different. To your colleagues you are
inspirational, a role model, a teacher. And you have managed all this without calling attention to yourself.
Someone said you would not want this award. But your example of heartfelt,
selfless service is exactly what the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm.
Thank you for what you have taught us.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members