Fry Family Foundation hosts ‘Best of the Best Awards’
Announces new president
On Aug. 8, the Fry Family Foundation celebrated its 20th year of providing charitable support to groups and organizations across North America with an event at The Rooms in St. John’s. The focus of the event was to honor a select group of leaders and volunteers from the organizations that The Foundation has partnered with during its 20-year history.
The Fry Family Foundation is a U.s.-based charitable organization, founded in 1997 by Darryl and Marlene (Sellars) Fry, both born and educated in St. John’s. The foundation provides financial support and encouragement to “passionate leaders and volunteers who do good things in the community.
Darryl Fry, chairman of the board said, “The focus of our anniversary celebration was to honor the Best of the Best … that we have partnered with for the past 20 years with whom our relationship has withstood the test of time.”
During the event at The Rooms Fry also announced
changes to key leadership roles at The Foundation. Effective immediately, Mr. Paul Burt will become president. The founders will remain as
co-chairs and will continue to manage investments. The executive changes coincide with an expressed desire on behalf of the Fry Family to return The Foundation “to its roots.” Burt, a native Newfoundlander, resides in Conception Bay South with his family and is a graduate of Memorial University and Queen’s University in Ontario. He has significant experience at both the provincial and national levels following a 30-year career as President and Owner of the Paint Shop Group of Companies.
The individuals honoured during the event included:
Memorial University: Art May (awarded posthumously), Lilly Walker, Judy Casey, Penny Blackwood; Glovertown (Organizers/builders) Volunteers —Stan Sparkes, Doug Churchill; Glovertown (House of Diamonds Team) Volunteers - Kevin Blackmore, Christine Pike, Cynthia Mitchell; College of North Atlantic - Corinne Dunne; Memorial University/ Skills Canada/together by Design - Darlene Spracklin Reid, John Oates; Froude Ave Community Centre - Bob Dawson, Enid Pendergast; Agnes Pratt Home Foundation – Volunteer, Paula Shortall.