Susan and I are proud to announce that we have recently been named the recipients of the “Inspire by Example” Outstanding Volunteer award from the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

The “Inspire by Example” award is given to local volunteers by the United Way of Central Mass. each year during National Volunteer Week. Recipients are chosen for their exceptional community commitment and for going above and beyond to help those in need.  Recipients of the award represent those who choose to lead by example and “encourage and motivate those around them to do the same.”

Over the years, Susan and I have made sure that Pepper’s is involved with charitable organizations in our community. Our volunteer work has included outreach to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rachel’s Table, the Special Olympics and Worcester County Food Bank, among others.

For the past thirteen years, we have been deeply involved with Veterans, Inc., a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization serving to provide supportive, transitional and permanent housing, food bank, hot meals program, case management, employment services and job training to veterans and their families.

As part of our (and Pepper’s) volunteer service, we’ve provided culinary classes to veterans and given cooking demonstrations on preparing healthy meals. For the past ten years, Pepper’s has served as caterer for Veterans, Inc.’s biennial Military Ball Gala.

We are thrilled to receive such a wonderful distinction from the United Way and we share this honor with all those great organizations we have worked with and grown to know over the years.

Thank you, United Way of Central Mass.!