Altoona Times

Katie Fink to be Honored During Hall of Fame Luncheon March 3rd

The Rotary Clubs of Bedford and the Bedford Elks Clubs are pleased to announce that Kathryn (Katie) Fink has been selected as Citizen of the Year by unanimous choice of the joint selection committee.

Fink is the Executive Director of the United Way of Bedford County, where she has launched programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and provided administrative support for Shop with a Cop and the Women United initiatives, building on the traditional programs and missions of the non-profit organization.

But beyond her “day-job”, Katie lends her time, talent and leadership skills to many other organizations throughout the Bedford County region. She holds significant volunteer positions with the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Ambassador Committee, Downtown Bedford Inc., Bedford Business & Professional Women, EABBA, Bloody Run Float Committee, the Everett Area Fund, and Leadership Bedford County Advisory Committee, among others.  Fink is a past present of the Bedford Sunrise Rotary Club and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. She is also a 2018 graduate of Leadership Bedford County and an active member of her church.

The Citizen of the Year award is given to a Bedford Countian who exhibits the qualities of the sponsoring clubs’ mottos:  Rotary’s Service Above Self and Elks Care, Elks Share.  Fink’s nominator, Koren Woy Smith wrote:

“Katie jumps in where help is needed and puts in countless hours to help this community.  When she says community, she means Bedford County, not just Bedford or Saxton or any one particular area; she wraps her arms around all areas.”

When notified of the award, Fink was stunned.

“Oh my God – I’m just completely flabbergasted,” she said. “Who knew that you could have a job that you love so much and that allows you to do community service?  And I’ve been introduced to so many other organizations and avenues of given to the community.  You can’t say you want your county and community to be better if you’re not willing to pitch in and help, but there’s also a great feeling you get from helping others.”

Katie resides in Hopewell with her husband, Bill. They have four grown daughters, the third generation inspired to participate in service.

“I just had two wonderful parents who instilled in all of us to give back to the community,” Katie explained. “It started growing up in Greene County with a free cheese give-away when the coal mines closed. We’ve always encouraged our girls to do that, too.  You can’t say you want your county and community to be better if you’re not willing to pitch in and help, and there’s a great feeling you get from helping others.”

The Citizen of the Year Award will be presented during the awards luncheon Friday, March 3rd at noon at the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort.  The program will also include the recognition of five companies being inducted into the Bedford County Business Hall of Fame: Altoona First Savings Bank, B.C. Stone, Cessna Broadcasting, Pennwood Ophthalmic Associates, and Your Safe Haven.

The Chamber will present Rising Star Awards to stand-out young professionals Haley Feaster and Greg Hauck; the Bedford Sunrise Rotary Club will also present two student scholarships at the event.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Luncheon are $75 and includes a three-course luncheon prepared by the culinary staff of the Omni Bedford Springs Executive Chef Russell Bradshaw.  Guests should RSVP to the Chamber with a meal choice of salmon piccata or chicken piccata; the menu also includes butternut squash ravioli, seasonal sides and dessert by pastry chef Harshal Naik.

In addition to registrations, sponsorship opportunities and program ads are also available by calling the Chamber office at 814.623.2233 or attendees may CLICK HERE to register online.

Original source can be found here.