Geneseo Is For Tomorrow
Bob Pettit Receives Community Caring Award
October 27, 2009
GIFT Foundation (Geneseo Is For Tomorrow), a community foundation affiliate, recently held their annual gala to celebrate progress and the impact GIFT has made in our community. Board member and past president Katie Andrios revealed that since its’ inception in 2002, GIFT has grown to 25 funds, both endowed and non-endowed with total Assets nearing 1.5 million dollars. In 2008, GIFT Foundation was able to distribute over $150,000 to grant recipients and awarded scholarships to 18 area students. “I am pleased to report that our Foundation continues to grow and make Geneseo a better place for all of us to live and work.”
At the celebration held in early October, board members announced that the 2009 Community Caring Award recipient is Bob Pettit. The award was established to recognize someone in the community who has an extraordinary commitment to public service and social responsibility, and is a positive role model. Paul Lindsey, President of the Gift Foundation explained “We were seeking nominations from the community for an individual that has demonstrated selflessness, exhibited a long-term commitment to service and the betterment of society, and who has had a significant impact on the lives of others in Geneseo. We particularly look for those whose efforts will last beyond their lifetime.”
Pictured in the photo from left to right are: Hazel Pettit (Bob’s mother), Bob Pettit, Ginny Pettit (Bob’s wife) and Maxine Marchese (Bob’s mother-in-law), all of whom he said are the team that he shares this award with.
GIFT received several nominations for Bob along with letters and quotes from individuals reflecting on how he has made such a positive impact on their lives. One nominator wrote: “Bob Pettit's legacy is a living one, the children of the community. This is a legacy that will continue to contribute to the betterment of Geneseo, the country and the world, long after he is gone. There are countless educators and business people, not to mention those who have become fine parents and good citizens, all of whom have been positively touched by Bob's mentorship. As time passes there will be many others who enter adulthood with a solid spiritual foundation and with the values of teamwork, social responsibility, playing by the rules and doing the right thing instilled in them by this humble gentleman.”
“Bob Pettit has shown me that a little bit of unselfishness goes a long way” writes another. “Coach Pettit remains a winner for his effective balance of faith, family, business, and coaching. He has undoubtedly touched the lives of hundreds of graduates of Geneseo High School.”
Bob has been involved with numerous community activities throughout the years, from coaching, sponsoring and announcing for Geneseo teams to involvement with spiritual organizations such as Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). He has played a key role in the development of some of our community churches and sporting and recreational facilities, the latest of which is the softball / baseball complex at Millikin Field. “He has touched so many lives in our community through various organizations and efforts that we can’t begin to list them all” said Mike Ricketts, GIFT board member.
“With the award comes a $500 grant, donated by Lohman Companies Insurance Foundation, that the Community Caring Award recipient can donate to the Geneseo non-profit organization of their choice,” revealed Brett Lohman, administrator of the Lohman Companies Foundation and past president of The GIFT Foundation.