Sept. 29–Reading, PA
When Craig E. Poole came to Reading from Pittsburgh about eight years ago, the first nonprofit he got involved with was Family Promise of Berks County.
The Reading-based organization helps homeless families, youths and people facing housing crises.
What makes Family Promise unique is it works with the whole family and doesn't break them up by gender.
"I fell in love with that," said Poole, president and chief operating officer of Reading Hospitality Management LLC, which owns the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.
From 2013 to 2015, Poole served on Family Promise's board of directors.
On Thursday, Poole received the agency's Taste of Hope Award at the organization's 11th annual Taste of Hope Gala at the DoubleTree.
The gala serves as the nonprofit's biggest annual fundraiser and is the agency's way of thanking its supporters.
About 200 people attended. The event is expected to raise between $30,000 and $40,000, said Elise Chesson, executive director.
"You're all invaluable to us," Chesson told attendees, "and without you, Family Promise would not be here."
The gala also featured raffle baskets, a silent auction, music from the Reading High School string ensemble and songs from the Reading Revival barbershop quartet.
Poole said that he was ecstatic to be honored, hoping that it draws attention to Family Promise's mission.
He added that the award may bear his name, but it's not strictly for him.
"When I accept the award, I accept the award not just for me, but for the other people that work here," Poole said.
Chesson presented the award to Poole, thanking him for his support and donations of time, money and accommodations at the DoubleTree for people served by the agency.
"What struck me the most, however, is his genuine interest in the success of Family Promise and the families we serve," Chesson said. "We all know that Craig Poole is a champion of this community and seeks to see it rise with each opportunity he gets.
"He has expressed on multiple occasions that his heart is with us and we wish to honor that."
Contact Matt Nanci: 610-371-5095 or [email protected].
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Matt Nanci — Reporter
Matt Nanci is a mobile journalist for the Reading Eagle.
Phone: 610-371-5095
Email: [email protected]
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