The United Way of the Bradford Area has been serving worthy causes and locals in need for more than 100 years. To mark this momentous occasion, this year’s annual Red Feather Awards was celebrated as a Red Feather Gala.

The gala, which featured pieces from local artists, was held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Friday night.

The Red Feather Awards are given each year to outstanding individuals and organizations who have shown an exemplary commitment to serving others and supporting the UWBA’s mission. This year, the Red Feather Award was given to Jeff Boser and family. The Excellence in Representation Award was given to Brian Fernandes Halloran of Halloran Philanthropies, and the Small Business Award was given to Kathy Obermeyer of ERA Real Estate.

“The United Way isn’t a building, photo or a slogan,” said Sarah Lonzi, CEO of the UWBA as she addressed the crowd on Friday evening. “It’s you — it’s all of you and your belief that we are responsible for one another.”

Mary Boser presented the Red Feather Award to her brother, Jeff Boser.

“It is certainly a true honor to join all of you as we celebrate 100 years of service in the Bradford community,” Mary said. “Serving as past board members, past campaign co-chairs, and volunteers at many events have helped us to serve as ambassadors to support not only the local community but the place that we are proud to call home.”

Jeff Boser is a lifelong resident of Bradford who has served the community through both his professional work and volunteer efforts. Boser and his four siblings ended up working for his family’s business, the South Bradford Fruit Market. His parents taught them all a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and the importance of serving others.

“It is our honor to walk with others in fostering a strong and thriving community,” Mary Boser said.

Lisa Miller Boser spoke on behalf of her brother.

“Jeff is a longtime supporter of the UWBA,” Lisa said. “As a lifelong resident of Bradford, he has dedicated his life to serving his community through his own professionalism and is volunteer efforts.”

Jeff has been an active supporter of many organizations throughout the years, including Kids and Cancer, the Historic Downtown Business Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Post 2434.

The Boser family is also a big supporter of UWBA’s annual pig roast. Lisa recalled the year they first introduced ears of roasted corn into the fun.

“I volunteered to help shuck the corn and let me tell you we didn’t just shuck 100 years of corn but thousands every year for every pig roast since then,” she said. “Roasted corn became a huge hit.”

Throughout the year, the family has been able to reach out to local businesses and get them to add corn toppings.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Lisa said. “We love this event and we love how it has evolved to include more community members.”

That desire to include everyone is a value that continues to drive Jeff Boser and all of the Boser family.

“Jeff hopes his recognition will inspire others to step up and make a difference as it takes more than one to make this happen,” Lisa said.

Julie Marasco presented the Excellence in Representation Award. Halloran was there to accept on behalf of Halloran Philanthropies.

Since working with Halloran, Marasco has come to appreciate his spirit of entrepreneurship and deep commitment to the community. Halloran Philanthropies partners with many local organizations to support entrepreneurship all across our region. For example, over the past five years, Halloran Philanthropies has awarded $50,000 in the Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition.

“This investment has spurred over 185 new business applications,” said Marasco. “We’ve awarded $150,000 in seed funding and helped launch 15 new startups.”

Halloran noted that there were times in his career when he had become slightly cynical. He had worked for other non-profits around the world and seen the good and bad that philanthropy had to offer. When he accepted his current role, his first move was to take stock of all the worthy programs that were already working in the Bradford area.

“Those teams of people who work together essentially make my work possible,” Halloran said. He mentioned American Refining Group and especially those who help make the Legacy Fund possible.

“I also want to mention the Bradford Area Alliance and Carolyn Newhouse for demonstrating what real forward-thinking leadership looks like,” Halloran said. “They’re an example of big-picture thinking — intuitive, flexible leaders who have the ability to deal with really big problems fearlessly.”

And, of course, Halloran also mentioned the UWBA. He knew that it was one of the first programs he wanted to help support in the area.

“They essentially do a lot of the important things that we need to do but they’ve been doing it really well for a really long time,” said Halloran. “They have a very strong connection to a lot of different organizations and it is a very personal relationship.”

Halloran Philanthropies is an important donor to the UWBA, having made a three-year grant commitment.

“We were just so happy to be able to make a three year grant to support them so every year they can have something in the bank towards their goals,” he said.

Halloran credits his father, the late Harry R. Halloran Jr., for inspiring his commitment to service and his community.

“Philanthropy isn’t about writing checks — it’s about relationships, trust and investing in people,” Halloran said. “United Way of Bradford has been a pillar of this community for a century and I’m honored to play a small role in supporting its mission.”

The final award of the night was given to Kathy Obermeyer, who received the Small Business Award on behalf of ERA Real Estate.

“Kathy proves every day that you don’t have to be big to make a big difference,” Lonzi said.

Obermeyer is a lifelong resident of Bradford who has had a successful real estate business for the last 30 years. In her professional capacity, she has played a vital role in helping families and businesses establish roots in the area and contributed to the town’s economic growth and stability.

Obermeyer’s efforts extend beyond her professional achievements. Her civic-mindedness has led her to head numerous local initiatives, such as sponsoring Bradford’s Old Fashioned Christmas horse and carriage rides. Over the years the rides have expanded to include Bradford’s First Night as well.

She credits the love and support of her family with shaping the person she has become.

“My toughness comes from growing up with four brothers but my strength, devotion and work ethic come from my parents,” Obermeyer said.

Her real estate success gave her the perfect opportunity to support causes that are important to her, personally. She has been a tireless supporter of local and state police departments with many events and initiatives throughout the years, including the Back the Blue 5K, Police Night Out, the William Hanley Sr. Lodge 67 Fraternal Order of Police, 911 Toy Express and the Lt. Jeffrey Shade Memorial Tournament. Her dedication to law enforcement support hearned her an honorary membership in the Fraternal Order of Police.

While Obermeyer doesn’t like to sit on too many boards, she makes an exception for one important organization. She has been a member of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services Inc. Board of Directors since 2017.

“There is nothing more rewarding than hearing someone who has struggled with addiction and abuse getting their lives back,” Obermeyer said.

Obermeyer also supports youth programs, sports and educational initiatives. She strongly believes that investing in children is investing in the future of Bradford.

“It is an honor to be recognized,” Obermeyer said. “But the real reward is seeing the difference we can make together.”