Horace Mann announces 2017 Community Spirit Award recipient

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (March 14, 2018) – Horace Mann named Susan Brune of Cantrall its 2017 Community Spirit Award recipient at its Employee Meeting last week. Susan Brune was recognized for her dedication serving the Athens Area Food Pantry. Each year, Horace Mann celebrates employees whose volunteer work is making a difference in their communities.

Brune has been on the Athens Area Food Pantry Board since it started in 1993, when the food pantry was in the basement of a laundromat. This year, the facility cut the ribbon on a new 4,000 square foot building.

Brune helps the food pantry in many ways. “She was instrumental in helping with setting up our bylaws when we became a 501(c)(3) organization. She’s done a lot of research for us making sure we comply with government regulations,” said Carol Ruby, Secretary for the Athens Food Pantry. “Susan volunteers on distribution day and puts the boxes and food together. She just does a phenomenal job.”

The pantry assisted more than 58 families last year, or an average of more than 150 individuals, with more than a third of them being children. “We are one happy family,” said Brune. “We are a community, and we are here to help each other. I hope to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Brune received $1,500 to donate to Athens Area Food Pantry, a commemorative plaque and a corporate gift. The remaining Community Spirit finalists each received $250 to donate to their charities: Laura Chapin to the Lion’s Club, Andrea Walters to Illinois Humane and Eric and Carolyn Wilham to the Animal Protective League.