If you were to look up the word ‘humanitarian’ in the dictionary, you would find that a humanitarian is defined as “a person who works to make other people’s lives better.” The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF), a community betterment group founded in 2013, voted to bestow the honor of their first Humanitarian of the Year on one Perry County businessperson, who is described by his peers as a leader, a teacher, persistent, motivated, genuine, and humble.
Frank Robinson, president of Robinson Construction Company, was chosen as the recipient of the PCCF’s first Humanitarian of the Year award. According to PCCF board member Lorna Gibbar, “the purpose of the humanitarian award to is get people to think about philanthropy and also to recognize a local leader in that area.” A banquet, celebrating Frank and his many life achievements, was held on November 4, 2015 in Perryville. “Frank is a prize to the Perry County Community as he strives to make Perry County a better place to live, work, and thrive through philanthropic gifts, events, and guidance.”
The evening began at 6 p.m. with cocktails and dinner. Shortly following dinner, guest speaker, Al Hrabosky aka “the Mad Hungarian,” spoke a few words about his time as a major league pitcher and, through tears, expressed how humanitarianism captured a huge piece of his heart and has taken on such a large role in his life. Hrabosky was followed by the presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year award to close out the evening.
“I cannot think of anyone more deserving,” said Kelly Garza, Marketing Manager for Robinson Construction after learning of Frank’s award. “I have always seen Frank as a pillar in this community even before I came to work for him 15 years ago. He has the knowledge, resources, and leadership skills to help our people and our community grow and thrive, and that is exactly what he does.” In addition to the many civic organizations that Frank supports on a regular basis, he also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Missouri (1995-present), and is a member of the Perryville Planning & Zoning Commission (1980-present), Perry County Economic Development Authority (1985-present), Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce (1976-present), and Perry County Community Foundation (2013-present).
Kelly was not the only one of Frank’s employees who had only good things to say about him. This video, prepared by Buchheit Design, features several of Frank’s team members, business associates, friends, and family members discussing their thoughts on Frank and the Humanitarian of the Year award.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJWDTsD8i4A
The PCCF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Perry County through philanthropic activities: Encourage, guide, and facilitate others that aspire to engage in efforts that move the community forward in the areas of culture, aesthetics, education, and leadership. The Community Foundation can help create permanent charitable funds that will have an outstanding impact on the life of their community and the causes they hold dear. With these assets, the Community Foundation will be able to award grants and scholarships over a broad range of area. Learn more about the Perry County Community Foundation at
www.perrycofoundation.org.