Several members of the Hillside family have been recognized for their community leadership in recent months: Crestwood Children’s Center board member T.C. Lewis received the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s (RACF) Founders Award in September. T.C. is a longtime Hillside volunteer and has also served on the Hillside Children’s Center Board of Directors and the Hillside Family of Agencies Board of Governors. “The most vulnerable members of our society are kids,” T.C. says, when asked why he is such a strong supporter of Hillside. “Many of  them have problems that are not their fault. And they are our future. Dollars spent to help the young are valuable dollars and dollars spent to educate them through programs such as Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection are the most valuable dollars. Where better to spend our time and month.

Bobbie and Mark Hargrave were also honored by the Rochester Area Community Foundation in September with its Philanthropy Award. Bobbie served on the Hillside Children's Center Board of Directors from 1981-1989. "It's been a privilege and a joy to be a supporter of Hillside Children's Center over the years and to continue the involvement of my mother (Barbara Hutchins) as a volunteer there,” Bobbie says. “Hillside was a household word growing up."

Roger and Carolyn Friedlander received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) on National Philanthropy Day in November. Roger has served on the Hillside Family of Agencies Board of Governors since 2007 and Carolyn served on the Hillside Children’s Center Board of Directors from 2001 through 2010. Both also serve on numerous committees at Hillside and together, the Friedlanders have also been strong financial supporters of Hillside throughout the years.

AFP also recognized Wendy’s Restaurants of Rochester, Inc. and President Dick Fox with its Outstanding Corporation Award. Dick says he is a staunch Hillside supporter for several reasons. “If your business is fortunate to have some success, you should give something back to your community. It’s as simple as that,” Dick says. “I’ve been very impressed by the management at Hillside. It’s run in a professional, responsible way.” Another reason is the strong connection between Hillside and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, named for Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas. Hillside Adoption Services has received grants from the foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, which seeks to move children from foster care into adoptive families. “The fact that Hillside is in the adoption arena is a big attraction,” Dick says.

Patrick Tobin, vice president, business development at Han-Tek, Inc. was named to the Rochester Business Journal’s 2010 Forty Under 40 list. Pat, his father, Jon, the Michael Tobin Fund, and Han-Tek have been longtime sponsors of Hillside events, including the Hillside Believe in Kids Golf Classic and Hillside Night at Geva.

Roderick Green, executive director of Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection – Rochester was also named to the Rochester Business Journal’s 2010 Forty Under 40 list in recognition of his professional success and significant contributions to the community.  "To be recognized by the RBJ with 39 of my colleagues is one of my proudest accomplishments,” Rod says. “I will continue to advocate for educational outcomes for Rochester area youths, as they are key to making our community strong for the coming generation."

Congratulations to all of the award recipients and thank you for your continued commitment to Hillside and our community.