The United Way of the Bradford Area Inc. will honor two local
women with the Red Feather Volunteer Recognition Award.
Diana Ferguson and Elizabeth Costello will receive the award in
an event set for 8 a.m. May 3 in the Mukaiyama University Room at
the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The two have served the United Way in numerous capacities since
the beginning of their tenures, both expanding more than 10
years.
“We are thrilled to be honoring these influential women with
this award and bring forth recognition by the community to their
efforts and impact,” said Executive Assistant Amanda Wilton
Davis.
Ferguson started as a member of the United Way as a member of
the speaker’s bureau in 1996 and since then, she has served as
interim executive director, a nine-year member of the board of
directors, chairperson for the public service portion of the annual
campaign, and co-chair of the local allocation redesign that
occurred in 2003-04.
“I am very proud of the fact that we now allocate funds to over
30 programs in the local community,” said Ferguson. “I feel that
the United Way does so much for the Bradford area; it has been very
rewarding to be able to give something back to them for all they
do.”
Beginning her career as a donor, Costello said she is both
pleased and honored to be chosen for such a high level of
recognition by her peers. She has been able to expand her role with
the United Way to director of a member agency, board member and
board president and campaign chair.
“My commitment to the United Way is and has been a priority as
far as charitable giving. It is by far the single best way for an
individual to philanthropically support his or her community at
large,” she said.
Executive Director Kristen Luther described honoring both women
as “very easy.”
“But it is very difficult to put into words how vitally they
have been to the local United Way, with everything from staff
relations to special events to organization. They are so deserving
of the Red Feather Award,” said Luther.
Ferguson is a co-owner and vice president of operations of
SuperUser Solutions Inc., a systems integration engineering firm
headquartered in Bradford. She and her husband David have two
children, Loren and Grant. She enjoys working out, golfing, reading
and Sudoku puzzles.
Costello, a lifelong Bradford resident, is owner of a private
practice of speech and language pathology. She holds a bachelor of
science degree from Brecia University and a master of science
degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Also to honored at the breakfast are local businesses and their
employees who had 100 percent participation in the most recent
campaign. “United Way To Go” awards will be issued to the Bradford
City Fire Department, Bradford Water Authority, County National
Bank, Elk Power Inc., Northwest Savings Bank and Tops
Supermarket.
Reservations must be made by April 21 by calling the United Way
office.
