TROY, NY – May 30, 2017 – In celebration of Community Action Month, CEO held its annual Community Action Luncheon, sponsored in part by Working Pictures, Inc., CAP COM Federal Credit Union, Cool Insuring Agency, Inc., Jaeger and Flynn Assoc., Inc., and Key Bank, on Wednesday, May 24^th  at the Hilton Garden Inn of Troy. CEO paid tribute not only to various community partners, donors and volunteers for their continued support of CEO’s mission, but to several of their customers for their ability to overcome challenges in the face of adversity.

Emceed by News 10 ABC’s Jimmy Marlow, the awards ceremony paid tribute to the honorees of three different categories of awards. The four honorees for the Friends of CEO Award, for supporting CEO’s mission and overall commitment to improving their community were: Cool Insuring Agency, Inc., Seymour Fox Foundation, Assemblyman John T. McDonald III and community member Kathy Bounds. The three honorees for the Community Action Impact Award, given to customers of CEO’s programs who, in the face of hardships and adversity, have made positive changes in their lives and communities, were: Steven Figueroa, Samvia Gaynor, and Earnestine Ross-Hampton. Lastly, the honoree for the Spirit of Community Action Award, which recognizes a community partner as “truly embodying the essence of community action” with outstanding support and dedication of CEO and their community, was CDPHP, Inc.

“This event is always a heartwarming celebration of Community Action,” said Katherine Maciol, President /CEO for CEO. “It’s important to recognize our friends and community partners for their support because together we are able to maximize our efforts to change lives and improve our community.”

The luncheon also announced the recipients of the Karen E. Gordon Scholarship and the Seeds for Success initiatives. The Karen E. Gordon Scholarship, is awarded to people who have participated in CEO’s programs or have otherwise supported CEO’s mission, and helps with the expenses of tuition in post-secondary education or training programs. The Seeds for Success initiative is a one-time grant opportunity designed to provide seed money to launch organizations or programs in the community.