The United Way of the Southern Tier recently honored some of its community superstars who go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of others.
Elmira City School District Superintendent Hillary J. Austin was honored with the United Way of the Southern Tier’s James B. Flaws Lasting Legacy Award, which goes to someone who demonstrates the full embodiment of United Way’s call to action through giving, advocating and volunteerism.
The award further recognizes a person who demonstrates vision, courage and commitment to leading community-level change, said Lois Wilson, United Way of the Southern Tier spokesperson.
“I’m truly honored,” Austin said. “This award celebrates not just volunteerism with the United Way, but our shared mission to inspire young readers through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. As a community, the United Way highlights all of the ways in which local agencies come together to support the needs of children, families, and community members.”
The United Way also presented its Give, Advocate and Volunteer Awards at its annual award dinner May 1 at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Give Award: Tom, Lisa Capek
Tom and Lisa Capek have been generous supporters of the United Way of the Southern Tier’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library since its inception in 2018, Wilson said. Their philanthropy has helped instill a love of literacy in children throughout the region and is preparing the next generation for success in school and beyond.
“Since 2018, Lisa and Tom, along with the Capek Family Foundation, have been a quiet but powerful force behind the United Way of the Southern Tier’s chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library,” Wilson said. “They don’t just believe in what the program stands for they help make it a reality through their generous support. Their support makes it possible for nearly 4,500 young children in Chemung and Steuben counties to receive a brand-new book in the mail each month.”
Advocate Award: Georgia Landon
Georgia Landon was honored with the Advocate award for her tireless work following the devastating flash floods in the Canisteo Valley in August 2024, Wilson said. As an intake coordinator at Arbor Housing & Development, she championed the needs of more than 170 families, helping them find the financial help they needed to begin to recover from the disaster.
Volunteer Award: Troy Preston, Corning Christ Episcopal Church
The Rev. Troy Preston and his congregation at Christ Episcopal Church in Corning received the Volunteer Award for their support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Rev. Preston and his caring team have been instrumental in spreading the word about this free book program for all children under age 5 in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties.
“On behalf of myself and Christ Church, we are incredibly honored to be recognized by the United Way,” Preston said. “We appreciate all that the United Way does for our community. We are so thrilled that they brought Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to our community. We’re happy to help in any way to put books in the hands of children. It is a great honor.”
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Why these Chemung, Steuben County leaders earned awards from United Way of Southern Tier
Reporting by Jeff Smith, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
