Sodexo Foundation Recognizes ‘Hero’ Employees

June 10—The Sodexo Foundation recognized eight employees as 2009’s “Heroes of Everyday Life,” at a fundraising in Washington, D.C. They are: Glen Berkel, district manager in Senior Services, Johnson City, Tenn.; Teresa Byrne, general manager in Corporate Services, Des Plaines, Ill.; Marilyn Conley, cashier/hostess in Campus Services, Bellingham, Mass.; Gary Hutchinson, vice president of operations in Senior Services, Leola, Pa.; Paul Paltrineri, general manager in Campus Services, Keene, N.H.; David Randle, lead cook in Corporate Services, Chicago, Ill.; Laurie Tutora, cook and foodservice associate in Corporate Services, St. Paul, Minn.; and Mike Wojtanowski, director and  customer service and support at corporate headquarters, Gilbert, Ariz.
 
The award honors employees who are volunteering their time in the fight against hunger in their communities. The 2009 Heroes were involved in creating and serving meals, conducting food collection drives and organizing fundraising events.

“A spirit of service is one of Sodexo's core values and we depend on all our employees to embody this mission every day in the course of their work,” Stephen Brady, president of the Sodexo Foundation, said in a press release. “These 'Heroes of Everyday Life' have set a new standard for service by contributing to their communities and to people in need, giving of their time and talents. This is so vital for families who critically need help as our economy continues to be difficult. The Sodexo Heroes are role models for all of us.”

In addition to the recognition, the Sodexo Foundation made a $5,000 grant in the name of each recipient to the hunger-related organization of their choice. This year, Kellogg's pledged to match each grant.