Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia saluted the extraordinary efforts of donors, volunteers and individuals served during the organization’s 2011 Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 23 at the Cardinal Club in downtown Raleigh.

During the luncheon and awards ceremony, individuals, community groups and businesses whose volunteer efforts demonstrated true excellence during the past year were presented with Community Partner Awards honoring their commitment to the mission of Easter Seals UCP.

Those honored with Community Partner Awards included Salisbury, NC based Food Lion; Deirtra Crandol and Scott Lineberger and the Greenville, NC Recreation and Parks Department; The Van Nieuwkoop Family and Bottomland 4X4 of Mt. Airy, NC; Steak ‘n Shake of Concord, NC; and Edward Shultz of Asheboro, NC.

Food Lion was honored for Shop&Care, the company’s annual cause-related marketing program for Easter Seals. Through Shop&Care, Food Lion raises awareness and money for Easter Seals through in-store product promotions and by engaging their customers to give during check out. During this 20th Anniversary year, all Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food and Reid’s stores in 11 southeastern and Mid-Atlantic States raised an unprecedented $3.7 million for Easter Seals.

Deirtra Crandol and Scott Lineberger and the Greenville, NC Recreation and Parks Department were recognized for their collaboration with Easter Seals UCP in a highly successful inclusion project which extended the summer camps program in Greenville to children with special needs. The Van Nieuwkoop Family and Bottomland 4X4 of Mt. Airy were honored for the $20,000 in funding they raised over a two year period in support of the Easter Seals UCP summer program in Mt. Airy. Steak ‘n Shake of Concord was honored for promoting a work place culture that balances a true understanding of the specialized needs of individuals with disabilities in the workforce with a real expectation of excellence in all employees. Edward Shultz of Asheville was recognized for his outreach to the homeless in his community. Mr. Shultz also delivered the luncheon’s keynote address.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through a wide array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.