Community foundation announces Keller awards
Washington Financial President and CEO Brian Smith
Rose Plastic President Kenneth Donahue and human resources director Jennifer Capozza
The family behind Beechie’s, from left, Lane, Lisa and Chef Lane McFarland
The Washington County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy are Washington Financial Bank (large category), Rose Plastic (medium category), and Beechie’s Place (small category). All three companies will be recognized for their generosity at the WCCF’s annual Philanthropy Banquet on Nov. 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe.
Created by the WCCF in 2011 to honor a founding trustee and past chairman of the board, Charles C. Keller, the award recognizes local for-profit businesses for exemplary giving and community service.
Washington Financial Bank’s history of philanthropy spans decades, long before its formal charitable giving program was established. Since the inception of its giving program, the bank has donated nearly $5 million to support health and human service needs, community development projects, and education. More than 150 local students have earned scholarships, and the bank continues to allocate a portion of its overall giving at the request of its customers through the annual “Customer Choice” campaign.
“As a local business that is invested in helping the community grow and prosper, Washington Financial has developed a culture that truly is about giving,” stated Brian Smith, Washington Financial president and chief executive officer. “A commitment to service is ingrained in the fabric of the people who work here. In fact, Washington Financial employees donate over 4,500 hours of service time each year to a wide variety of community organizations.”
A worldwide leader in the protective plastic packaging market, Rose Plastic is the first Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy recipient with international roots. The company was founded in Germany in 1953, and its American branch, Rose Plastic USA, was established in California in 1998.
In addition to encouraging staff to engage in service, Rose Plastic has offered steady and substantial support to diverse local programs including those that help children, victims of abuse, senior citizens, the homeless, the hungry, military service members, as well as animals. The company considers its charitable giving to be just an extension of its corporate mission, and its hope is that through a commitment to service, all employees will take pride in the community they call “home,” the work that they do, and the company they represent.
“It is a great honor to be included in this year’s recognized recipients as well as those companies that have been recognized before. To have our name associated with the work, efforts, philosophy and contributions that Charles C. Keller has exhibited to global corporate philanthropy is truly a humbling moment. It is impossible to match the accomplishments that are associated with Charles Keller’s philanthropy, but his example is a guiding light and the pathway for many to follow for years to come,” remarked Kenneth Donahue, president.
Meadow Lands restaurant Beechie’s Place was also chosen to receive the honor.
Lisa and Lane McFarland, the owners of Beechie’s, have strong community ties – their families have lived in this area for generations. Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of their parents who were “giving and charitable people,” the McFarlands became involved with numerous local organizations such as the Canonsburg-Houston Rotary Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, their church, and other activities with a youth focus.
Years ago, when they owned a building company, the McFarlands were quick to help those in the Houston area who had been affected by damaging floods, donating furniture and household goods to families in need. Today, the family employs that same philosophy at Beechie’s.
Lisa McFarland stated, “Having a venue, like Beechie’s, that can be used to help raise money for local charitable causes is a treat we’ve never had before.”
In addition to fundraisers surrounding the treatment and eradication of disease, Beechie’s has also hosted events and supported the local Fraternal Order of Police, the Washington Area Humane Society, neighborhood churches, and sports teams.
Nominations for the annual Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy will be accepted until Jan. 31 of each year. For more information, please visit the WCCF website at www.wccf.net.