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Gore Named Hubbell Award Winner

A record of more than 6,000 hours volunteering with United Way of Roanoke Valley has earned William R. Gore the prestigious F. Wiley Hubbell Award for outstanding volunteer service. The honor was announced during the organization’s annual meeting on January 9 at the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

Gore, a Salem native and Roanoke resident who retired from Roanoke Gas in 1992 after a 41 year career, was honored for his continuing contributions as campaign supplies coordinator. For about 18 weeks each fall, Gore devotes up to 30 hours per week to fill orders for materials used at about 450 workplace campaigns throughout the Roanoke Valley.

“We could never have raised $60 million without him,” said Frank Rogan, United Way president, in announcing Gore’s award. “His wisdom, wit and good nature have brightened the days of hundreds of campaign volunteers and staff.”

Gore’s commitment to community is also apparent in his other significant volunteer roles. He is an active member of the Salem Kiwanis Club, and has been marshal of the Salem Christmas parade for 20 years. Gore has served as a leader of American Legion Post 3 and belongs to Salem Baptist Church. He has been an advocate for the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Gore’s award was presented before an audience of more than 100 business and civic leaders who gathered to review United Way accomplishments during 2006 and hear incoming board chair Kathy Graves Stockburger assess opportunities for 2007. Recognition was awarded to Tom McKeon, 2006 board chair, for his leadership in promoting strategic planning to enhance United Way’s ability to improve lives and strengthen community.

The F. Wiley Hubbell Award was created in 1985 to honor its first recipient, a Life Member of the United Way of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors and dedicated volunteer. After retiring from General Electric as Finance Manager, Hubbell gave years of faithful United Way service, including a term as Board Chair in 1982.

United Way of Roanoke Valley serves citizens of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke Counties. An annual community campaign raises funds to support about 60 human service programs at 27 United Way partner agencies. These programs annually serve more than 70,000 people.