Group recognizes partners
Published 10:36 pm Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community honored local business partners on Tuesday for their support of the organization’s mission.
Partnership luncheon: Caroline Martin, right, the president of the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community, discusses the organization’s relationship with Harry L. Cross III, left, of Cross Realty. The group honored five of its business partners, including Cross, at its holiday luncheon Tuesday.
The Partnership recognized Harry L. Cross III of Cross Realty, Eley Duke Jr. of Duke Automotive, Michelle Butler of TowneBank, Amanda Powell of Walmart and Trenton Bishop of P.T. Works.
“We’re here to celebrate what a great year it’s been and celebrate the people who made it great,” Suffolk Partnership president Caroline Martin said.
Each of the individuals recognized has been involved with the organization in a different way.
Martin said the group wanted to honor Cross because he offered them office space when the Partnership needed a headquarters and has supported several of the group’s initiatives.
“Harry represents what the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community is all about,” she said. “He gives of his time in so many ways.”
Cross said he has always supported the Suffolk Partnership, because it brings important health issues to the attention of the general public.
“But they don’t just bring the problems,” he said. “They are bringing solutions and ideas of how to address these health issues.”
Duke, who was recognized for his work on the Partnership’s Guy with Ties calendar, said he admires the work the organization has done to encourage people to live healthier lives.
“It’s important for our community that we have an understanding of health programs that can help us,” he said. “A healthy community is a better community as a whole.”
Martin also pointed out Butler’s help on the group’s financial committee, the work Powell has done to get three grants for the Partnership, and Bishop’s continued commitment to the organization even after he resigned as a board member for personal reasons.
All of the recognized leaders were given a framed certificate and a gift of appreciation.
The Suffolk Partnership for a Health Community is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 to organize community resources to help improve the mental, physical, socioeconomic and spiritual health of all citizens.
