Husqvarna recognizes five dealers for outstanding community involvement

Husqvarna recently announced the winners of its 2008 “Husqvarna Heroes” program, a special recognition designed to highlight dealers for being “hands-on” in support of their local community. Five dealers across the country were selected on the basis of their community participation and good works.

Each of the following Husqvarna Heroes will receive a $1,000 check to donate to their favorite charity:

1)    Ron DeKok, owner, Dutchman’s, Foley, Ala.

Charity: Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch

Ron’s store, Dutchman’s, has adopted the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch as its local charity. Over the past year, Dutchman’s has donated items to the Ranch for its annual auction and participated in various fundraising events. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch is a program designed to provide family-style residential homes for Alabama’s needy, neglected, or abused school-age children.

2)    Jake Ricker, VP outdoor power equipment, Baker’s Hardware/Power & Turf, Millsboro, Del.

Charity: Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company

Jake has been a volunteer firefighter for three years with the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company, and he has spent hundreds of hours in local schools teaching fire prevention to children. He has also been instrumental in conducting several fire prevention education programs to preschools and day care facilities. The Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company is comprised of volunteer firefighters serving the greater Georgetown area.

3)    Kenneth and Juanita Ray, owners, Ray’s Saw, Centre, Ala.

Charity: Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Association

As foster parents for the past 30 years, Kenneth and Juanita have served over 300 neglected and abused children in Alabama. They work closely with the Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Association, an organization that strives to provide homes for neglected and abused children.

4)    Paul G. White III, owner, Warren Industrial & Lawn Supply, Dunn, N.C.

Charity: Ducks Unlimited

For the past 12 years, Paul has volunteered with Ducks Unlimited, a conservation organization that uses over 84 percent of every dollar raised to purchase or protect North American wetlands in order to preserve multiple species of wildlife.

5)    Keith Penatzer, owner, Ray’s Lawnmower Sales & Service, Summerhill, Pa.

Charity: Alleghany Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Every year, Keith and his sons ride in the annual 150-mile Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Bike Ride. Before the ride, they canvas the area for donations to support research for MS. The Alleghany Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves over 6,700 people in 20 Pennsylvania counties. All funds raised are used for research and services for Pennsylvania residents living with MS.

“Several of our Husqvarna dealers have recently gone above and beyond in support of their local community, making them heroes in our eyes,” said Dave Zerfoss, president, Husqvarna Professional Products, Inc. “Therefore, we want to showcase our commitment to these dealers and their local communities by naming them our ‘Husqvarna Heroes.’”