UNITED WAY HONORS FRANK HOOPER AS ITS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The United Way of Hunterdon County recognized Frank C. Hooper of Clinton as their “Community Volunteer of the Year”. Mr. Hooper was honored at the organization’s 3rd Annual “Celebrating Community Caring” recognition dinner at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse.
“I am truly humbled by this honor,” said Mr. Hooper. His appreciation was apparent as guests congratulated him throughout the evening.
Almost 250 friends, family, community members, business leaders and elected officials were on hand to recognize Mr. Hooper for his nearly two decades of service to Hunterdon County. In addition to organizing the Clinton Christmas Parade, he was the first chairman of the Bloomsbury Balloon Race. In the 1980’s, he organized “Huck Finn” days – where families and organizations would build and float homemade rafts down the river. He also spent 14 years organizing Christmas ice skating and tree burning parties for area youths on the Raritan River in Clinton.

But perhaps, what comes to the mind of most people when they think of Frank Hooper is his 1945 white Mack Fire Truck which he has used for nearly 30 years for a variety of community caring projects. He purchased the truck in 1976 for the Bi-Centennial Parade and, in the ensuing years, has driven area youth and parents all over the county. One of his most loved activities (which he has done for almost 15 years) is to drive the Hampton and Califon School kindergarten classes’ home on their last day of school.

During the recognition event, numerous individuals spoke about the impact Frank has had on their lives and our community. Long a friend to many area non-profits, he is a trustee of the Hunterdon Developmental Center for their Parent/ Guardian Association, a Trustee Emeritus for the Red Mill Museum, a past Trustee of the South Branch Watershed and an Honorary Trustee of the Jennie Haver Scholarship. In addition, he is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary and is a current member of the Clinton Guild. A founder of the Church of the Holy Spirit, he was also its first warden.

“Frank Hooper’s spirit of volunteerism has had a large impact on Hunterdon County residents,” said Frank McElroy, United Way of Hunterdon County Board of Trustees President. “His commitment and dedication over the years is admirable. He possesses the spirit which our organization looks to recognize”.

Originally from New York, Mr. Hooper served as a Lieutenant in the US Army. He and his wife, Joan, moved to the Hunterdon area over 30 years ago.

Frank Hooper was President of Shrive, Wright and Exton Insurance Company from 1973 until his retirement in 1994. A former cross-county runner, he continues to enjoy hiking in his free time.
In addition to recognizing Mr. Hooper, the event featured a silent and live auction, entertainment, dinner and dancing. Entertainment was provided by Doctor D Entertainment with a major highlight of the evening being a special guest appearance by the Polish American String Band of Philadelphia!

The United Way of Hunterdon County is focused on supporting programs that lend assistance to children at-risk, people with disabilities, families in crisis, the elderly and the hungry and homeless. In the past year alone, nearly 40 % of the people who live or work in Hunterdon County benefited from a program supported by United Way.

For more information about the United Way of Hunterdon County or to make a tax deductible contribution to the Community Fund, please call (908) 782-3414 or send by mail to the United Way of Hunterdon County, P.O. Box 2290, Flemington, NJ 08822.

May 8, 2006