$10,000 Chairman's Award honors employee's volunteerism, aids fight against hunger

$10,000 Chairman's Award honors employee's volunteerism, aids fight against hunger

$10,000 Chairman's Award honors employee's volunteerism, aids fight against hunger

COVINGTON, Ky. – Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) today announced that long-time employee Christi Clarke, a legal specialist in Russell, Ky., was named the 2011 recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Community Enrichment. The award was personally presented to Clarke by Ashland Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James J. O’Brien at a corporate meeting last week.

“We are fortunate to have many wonderful community volunteers throughout our company to reflect our commitment to the places where we live and work,” said O’Brien. “When we look at the impact they’re having and their passion for improving our communities, it is truly inspiring. Christi is an extraordinary example, and it is my great pleasure to recognize her with this award.”   

Clarke, who has dedicated more than 19 years to serving several local community organizations, currently serves as board secretary of Ashland Community Kitchen. Upon learning of her selection as a Chairman’s Award winner, Clarke chose the nonprofit organization to receive the company’s $10,000 corporate contribution in her name, which serves to further recognize her accomplishments and the importance Ashland places on service to the community.  

“I was very surprised and it’s a humbling experience,” said Clarke. “Get involved. It means the world to a nonprofit organization, and every little thing you do is appreciated. It’s something I thoroughly enjoy doing and will continue to do.”

Serving the Ashland Community Kitchen is just one of the activities that keeps Clarke involved in her local community. Her coworkers recommended her for the honor she received by noting that she is always among the first to volunteer for any community service and to lead them in joining the efforts. In addition to serving as a Girl Scout leader for the past seven years, Clarke also aids For Jamie’s Sake, a foster and adoption resource center, when children need clothes, toys and school supplies.

And, during this past holiday season, when needs are often greatest, Clarke helped expand Ashland’s Russell campus outreach by working with an employee team to collect supplies for numerous  local human service agencies throughout the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas. Clarke stated that “the employees’ involvement and generosity helped make Christmas a little brighter for a lot of individuals in our community.”   Despite their efforts, Clarke learned there were still a few children who would not be served, so she personally provided the additional support needed to ensure gifts for everyone.

Ashland Community Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that seeks to alleviate hunger in the greater Ashland community. Five days a week, the organization provides hungry individuals with a hot nutritious meal that includes an entrée, vegetables and a dessert. In 2010, Ashland Community Kitchen served 30,099 meals to clients at its location.

“The clients and staff at Ashland Community Kitchen are grateful to Ashland Inc. for recognizing their employees who serve their community,” said Alfreda Moore, executive director. “We are also thankful to Mrs. Clarke for choosing Ashland Community Kitchen to receive the contribution, and we appreciate her years of dedication and service to the Kitchen.”

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units – Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline).

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