Peabody chamber honors community

PEABODY – The Peabody Chamber of Commerce took over City Hall Wednesday night to honor this year’s recipients of the Community Service Awards with a lavish ceremony featuring hors d’oeurves, coffee, dessert, and a cash bar.This was the 15th year the Chamber took it upon themselves to recognize an individual for their outstanding, over-the-top commitment to Peabody; however, it was the first year they decided to honor businesses and non-chamber members for their selfless contributions, as well.”When the committee looked at nominations, they were wowed by the fact that so many people were really deserving of so much recognition and credit,” said Deanne Healey, Executive Director. “We wanted to be able to recognize other individuals who are always out there on the front line devoting their time and energy to certain causes.”Cathy Gravel, wife of City Councilor Dave Gravel and backbone of the new Peabody/Lynnfield YMCA, won the Chamber’s prestigious Mary Upton Ferrin Award, which honors women in Peabody who demonstrate leadership and serves as a role model and champion of humanitarian based efforts.”No matter what organization Ms. Gravel volunteers to help, she does it with 100 percent commitment and without fanfare,” said Healey.”It’s a little humbling,” said Gravel of her award. “I do what I do because I enjoy doing it. I certainly wasn’t doing it for any awards.”Gravel said she’s in good company with the “prestigious group” of honored women before her. The Chamber gave her an engraved vase, donated from Longs Jewelers, to show their appreciation.Community Credit Union was the first-ever business acknowledged with a Business Leadership Award for their investment in Peabody’s downtown, financial support to local organizations, and commitment to have employees involved as citizens.”We’re very grateful for this honor and this recognition,” said the bank’s President and C.E.O. Nick Sarantopoulos, who accepted last night’s award. “On behalf of our board of directors, management, staff, and most especially our members, we except this award with gratitude.”Sarantopoulos said that his business believes strongly in giving back to the community. So far, the bank has donated $25,000 to the Peabody/Lynnfield YMCA, offered multiple scholarships for members, and contributed to St. Vasilio’s Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Peabody Education Council.”It’s not something that one person did,” he said. “It’s a collective effort.”Three others were recognized with Community Spirit Awards, including Vera Burke for her lifelong dedication to the Peabody Historical Society and the Peabody Garden Club, Donna Craven for supporting Peabody Schools, and Michelene Varieka for founding Faith and Concern, a non-profit charity to aid the poor in Haiti.”They’re all very well deserving,” said Healey. “It was great that we had the opportunity to recognize some of these people.”