Local artist Sue Hand and family are picture of unselfishness

PLAINS TWP. – Artist Sue Hand laughed at her husband, Joe, 30 years ago, after a survey he took indicated he wanted to be a philanthropist.

She was amused because they had no money to give because at the time they were “dirt poor.”

Now Sue Hand’s paintings hang in private collections across America and around the world and she often donates her work to organizations that raffle them to raise money. Her annual Back Mountain Library Auction painting regularly tops $5,000.

“We give what we can. We don’t have money, but we just like to help out. Sometimes God gives us little ways that we can help,” Hand said.

The Hands and their family will receive one of six awards to recognize generous acts of unselfishness being given today by the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals during a luncheon at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Other honorees chosen from 43 nominees are: Pride Mobility Products for Outstanding Corporation, The Luzerne Foundation for Outstanding Foundation, Letha Wells Reinheimer for Outstanding Volunteer, Sue Helwig for Outstanding Fundraising Executive and Jane E. Oppenheim for Lifetime Achievement.

Pride Mobility Products Senior Vice President of Human Resources Ann Sadusky said the firm was humbled and honored to be recognized for its fundraising efforts and the number of volunteer hours its employees donate to nonprofit agencies.

“As a corporation, we are committed to national and local charities and the organizations that support individuals who use our products. On every level of our organization, our employees dedicate themselves to making a difference in daily lives,” Sadusky said.

The Luzerne Foundation was selected as outstanding foundation because it is so proactively engaged in reaching out to provide grants to area organizations instead of waiting for groups to come to the foundation, said local AFP chapter President John Dawe.

“They really look to see where there are holes in the landscape of our region and what is needed to make the region a better place to live. They go out and pull together partners, and they really help to find unmet needs and find resources to fill those needs,” Dawe said.