GREENCASTLE, Ind. -- Bill Hutson, founder of Table Talk, has been selected to receive a year's supply of fuel as the latest monthly winner in the Fueling Good program by CITGO Petroleum Corp. Hutson (pictured) is a hero to many local residents because of the home repairs he provides to elderly, disabled and disadvantaged individuals across the Greencastle, Ind., area. The prize was awarded on September 11, the National Day of Service & Remembrance, because the work of Table Talk embodies the spirit of unity, compassion and community that the day symbolizes.
Launched in June 2009, [image-nocss] Fueling Good is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of people across the country who go above and beyond to provide a positive impact on the lives of others. Based on the underlying principals of solidarity and social development held by CITGO and its shareholder, PDVSA, the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Fueling Good contest invites local heroes to submit their story of doing good. From July through November, five finalists will be selected from the entries for a monthly online vote, which will help decide the winner of gift cards worth a year's supply of fuel from CITGO.
As the founder of Table Talk, Hutson's inspiring efforts to improve the living conditions of his neighbors made his entry stand out to the Fueling Good voters. A truck driver working more than 70-hours a week, Hutson uses his skills as a master craftsman, money out of his own pocket and what little spare time he has to make vital home repairs across the community at no charge. He ensures that needy residents can live in safety and comfort. In the past seven years, Table Talk has helped more than 50 people in the community.
"No one should have to live with a leaky roof or broken toilet, least of all an elderly or disabled person. That is why I will work as hard as I can to help improve the lives of my neighbors," said Hutson; "90% of the funding for Table Talk's work comes out of our own pocket. With the year's supply of gas from CITGO, we will be able to reach more people this year. I hope that our program can be an example of how one person can make a huge difference."The other four finalists received a $50 CITGO gift card. These local heroes are helping their community through a variety of efforts, including: Bicycling for Ovarian Cancer Organization: Dr. Craig Broeder's 9,000-mile bike ride around the United States which raised money for the fight against ovarian cancer in honor of his wife, an ovarian cancer survivor. Flying Fish Swim School: College student Gabrielle VanSpeybroeck's efforts to help disabled children in the Quad Cities area of Illinois learn to swim. ME3: An organization which works to connect more than 250 local volunteers with more than 50 charities across North Carolina to help make a positive impact in people across the state. Therapy Dog Program: Kelli Freeman's campaign to bring joy and healing to more than 200 people each week at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes with her therapy dog CoCo. "I'm extremely excited to recognize and reward a local resident who works selflessly to make our community a better place to live," said Mahendra Gaud, owner of the local CITGO station in Greencastle, Ind. "By raising awareness for the efforts of Bill and Table Talk, I hope that more people across our area will benefit from the program and that others will be inspired to give back to the community."
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