By Stacie N. Galang
PEABODY — The Making a Difference in Peabody Foundation will recognize a city worker for living up to the charity's name.
Foundation president Scott Frasca said he would offer the first-time presidential award to a firefighter, police officer or teacher who has made "a huge sacrifice in helping their community."
He would give out the award at the charity's seventh-annual fundraiser Oct. 30.
The cocktail reception will feature Mayor Michael Bonfanti who is scheduled to speak about the role of nonprofits in the area. Frasca said the foundation would also recognize its corporate sponsors during the event.
The Making a Difference in Peabody Foundation assists flood and fire victims and the poor with fuel assistance, food and clothing.
The October fundraiser comes as the charity welcomes Manny Paula of Kelly's Roast Beef into the role of vice president and Karen McGovern to its board. Chris Feazel will now oversee the group's fuel assistance program.
Former vice president Martha Holden is stepping away as an officer after six years with the charity. The library director resigned because of her many commitments, the president said.
"She was instrumental in helping the organization grow and be successful," Frasca said.
He said McGovern fulfilled the organization's goal to bring in an educator. Paula, chief operating officer of Kelly's, will oversee the charity's operations.
"So it's going to help out," the foundation president said.
Frasca expected about 50 people to attend the event at Spinellis, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The event is open to the public. The cost is $35 per ticket. For more information, call 978-317-4388.
