D-F teen receives national community service honor for his efforts to support the JD Foundation
DOVER-FOXCROFT — TruStage, CUNA Mutual Group’s consumer insurance agency, is proud to announce Kholton Perry, 14, of Dover-Foxcroft has been named as one of 20 Community Spark Awards winners. The competition recognized exemplary young people from coast to coast who are actively taking strides to improve their communities through volunteer and community service activities. In recognition of Perry’s efforts, TruStage donated $1,000 to the JD Foundation of Abbot in support of Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27.
When a dear family friend took his own life in 2015, Perry knew he wanted to do something to help prevent suicide in his community. He quickly began raising money for the JD Foundation, a suicide-prevention organization that offers support and educational classes. From going door-to-door asking for donations to collecting bottles and cans that can be redeemed for funds, he has raised nearly $8,000 for the organization – all while being very active on his school’s student council and math team in addition to choir and several sports.
Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom
NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE HONOR — In recognition of his work to raise nearly $8,000 for the JD Foundation, 14-year-old Kholton Perry of Dover-Foxcroft has been named as one of 20 national Community Spark Awards by TruStage, CUNA Mutual Group’s consumer insurance agency. In recognition of Perry’s efforts, TruStage donated $1,000 to The JD Foundation. Perry is pictured during the JD Foundation’s 2016 Walk to Wake the Silence in Dover-Foxcroft with JD Foundation President/Founder Cheryl Morin.
“It takes a special person to recognize at a young age that they have the power to make the world a better place,” said Susan Sachatello, TruStage senior vice president, “The Community Spark Awards allow us to shine a spotlight on inspiring young leaders such as Kholton who is helping his community build a brighter future.”
The TruStage Community Spark Awards competition celebrates a major milestone with more than 20 million customers across the U.S. protected by TruStage insurance products. TruStage recognizes how important it is for people to protect their family’s future, which can include the communities where they live.
The online awards competition ran for two weeks from Oct. 30 to Nov. 13. Parents, guardians, relatives, teachers, and friends were invited to nominate a child 17 or younger who demonstrates a strong spirit, along with commitment and dedication to giving back to their own community. The 20 winners were selected by a panel of their peers from the Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, serving the Madison area of Wisconsin. Nominations included kids who volunteer to feed and clothe the less fortunate, provide recognition for veterans, increase opportunities for the disabled, preserve historic cultures and find better homes for animals. The stories of the 20 winners can be viewed at www.trustage.com/spark.