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The 2017 Diane L. Oceretko 'People Helping People' Award winner, Stacey Dow (second from left) of Maine State CU, is surrounded by co-workers after being honored. Pictured with her are l-r: Tucker Cole, President/CEO, Mark Young, SVP/COO, and Angela Harvey, Director of HR.
Since day one of her 12 years at Maine State CU, Stacey Dow, Executive Assistant at the CU, has been committed to the cause of ending hunger. "It is something a feel very strongly about, and remain so 12 years later," Dow explained. As the recipient of the 2017 Diane L. Oceretko 'People Helping People' Award, Dow was recognized as being "a big reason why Maine State CU has been able to raise over $500,000 for ending hunger in the past ten years."
Described by President/CEO Tucker Cole as "a tireless supporter of Maine State CU's Ending Hunger program. Her passion for assisting those with food insecurity and ending hunger in Maine is inspiring. Her enthusiasm is contagious and encourages others to get involved." Another nominee wrote, "Stacey cares about making a difference. It is obvious when we distribute checks to area food pantries how emotional she gets. She has formed relationships with over 30 food pantries and shelters in our area and knows most representatives on a first-name basis."
A long-time member of the Maine CU League's Social Responsibility Committee, Dow is always willing and able to contribute. "Stacey never says 'no'. She is such a big believer in the cause, and is just a great person to be around," remarked Jon Paradise, Vice President of Governmental and Public Affairs for the League, who works closely with Stacey on the Committee.
In accepting her award, an emotional Dow called the recognition "overwhelming. I believe in ending hunger so much that it is just part of who I am. I am so thankful for the support of so many people, and appreciate this honor more than you will ever know. When my son, Parker, was born five years ago, that just further reinforced my belief in doing whatever I could to end hunger. While no one should go hungry, knowing that there are kids in Parker's class that are hungry makes we want to do even more and I will continue to work towards that goal of ending hunger."