Ferrin Community Service Awards

 The Ferrin Award Ceremony,
now in it's 22nd year,  recognizes individuals

and businesses who routinely go above and beyond, to contribute to the greater
good, all while ultimately serving as a role model to others.  The following individuals or businesses will
be honored at  the Ferrin Community


Service Awards Ceremony in April:

 The prestigious Mary Upton Ferrin Award will be awarded to Heather Murray.    For 21 years, this award has been presented  by the Chamber to a woman who demonstrates leadership, serves as a role model and champion of humanitarian based efforts.   Ms. Murray has weathered her share of challenges and a desire for a better life, first as a young mother seeking assistance from Citizens from Adequate Housing tirelessly pursing job training, education  and every possible opportunity to become a business owner, and real estate agent.   Along the way she has become a true role model for her daughter, is an active CAH volunteer and Board member, and provides free salon services to moms living in shelters as well as services for Locks for Love. 

 Burtons Grill will be honored with the Business Leadership Award for demonstrating a high standard of excellence in
business leadership and community involvement.  Since opening their location at the Northshore
Mall several years ago they have truly embraced the community.    They

have become a champion of the Peabody
Learning Academy,
donating thousands of dollars in scholarships each year, as well as employing
and mentoring students.  In addition,
they routinely reach out to support non-profit organizations in the area and
provide support for events, gift cards and volunteers.    This leadership and community involvement
has cultivated a strong business presence that is rewarded by customer
loyalty. 

 

The Desire King Award recognizes a woman business owner who embodies an entrepreneurial spirit andserves as an inspiration to others.  Thisaward will be presented to Ms. Karen Batchelder, owner of Karen's Ballroom Dancing & Fitness.  Since relocating her business to Peabody, Karen has partnered with the Rotary Club of Peabody for a winter coat drive, for 25 years has hosted a Christmas party for under privileged children,  as well as fundraisers for Peabody in Pink breast cancer, PALS/Salem Animal Rescue, Citizens for Adequate Housing and Haven from Hunger to name a few.  Karen and her staff routinely volunteer and share their passion for dance/fitness with the community and can be seen demonstrating and leading dance instructions at many events.


 
Community Spirit Awards will be also be presented to Ms.
Susan Ring Brown for her tireless efforts on behalf of Northeast ARC, aswell as her dedication to furthering the Peabody Cultural Collaborative; Ms. Joan Morrissey who's enthusiasm was a driving force behind the creation of the Peabody Downtown Association; and Ms. Colleen Derrivan who has been involved with many organizations including St. Adelaide's Church, Relay for Life, Parent/Teacher groups and numerous fundraisers which have helped the community. The recipients will be honored at the Ferrin Community Service Award Ceremony on Wednesday, April 2nd from6-8:30pm at Wiggin Auditorium at Peabody City Hall.     Family, friends and business colleagues are invited to share in the celebration of honoring the award recipients.   Tickets for the ceremony and cocktail reception are $20 in advance, $30 at the door and can be purchased by contacting the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce, 24 Main Street, Peabody, MA 01960 or by calling 978-531-0384.   Advance reservations and payment are strongly suggested.

 

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The Peabody
Area Chamber of Commerce is a 400-business member community based association
providing its members with business, legislative, networking and marketing
Visit us on the web at www.peabodychamber.com