Kellie Heffley said that she and Tina Dowd did not grow up together, did not work together, nor did their children go to the same school.

Heffley first met Dowd in when she began attending meetings of the group that went on to form Family Promise of Carbon, the charity that provides temporary shelter, meals, to families without permanent housing in Carbon County and the surrounding communities.

“After a few years, the vision finally became a reality when Carbon County began providing homeless shelter programs for children and families. Many years have since passed, and the success of this organization as well as countless other community organizations and initiatives could not have become a reality without the leadership, perseverance, dedication and love of community that Tina Dowd contributed,” Heffley said.

On Thursday, the North Valley District of Minsi Trails Council recognized Dowd’s contribution to the community and scouting by presenting her with the district’s Distinguished Citizen Award for 2019. Kellie Heffley presented the award.

The North Valley District includes over 70 troops, packs and explorer posts in area school districts including Palmerton, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh, Northampton, Whitehall-Coplay, Catasauqua and Parkland.

“Our committee looks at who is making a difference in the area,” said Diane Lariar, North Valley District executive.

The Distinguished Citizen Award was given as part of the district’s annual Friends of Scouting Dinner, hosted by Blue Mountain Resort.

Master of ceremonies Chris Anthony of Country Harvest Markets said that the district’s annual fundraising campaign raised $23,000 this year to support Minsi Trails Council’s activities, including Trexler Scout Reservation in Polk Township and Camp Minsi near Mount Pocono. Both facilities are used by Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Venture Scouts.

Carbon County Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said, “Dowd is a shining example of community spirit.”

Carbon County Commissioner Tom Gerhard said, “She is one of a dying breed of volunteers, one who goes above and beyond. Many folks in the community don’t even know what Family Promise is about.”

Venture Scouts Zander Bauer and Jennifer Dobrowski of Venture Crew 672 sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest 183, Lehighton, spoke about what scouting has meant for each of them. Bauer described himself as “mostly introverted” when he first joined a Cub Scout pack. “Today,” he continued, “I am a confident leader and team member.”

Dobrowski, a Venture Scout now pursuing a premedical program at Cedar Crest College, said, “Scouting exposed me to new opportunities. I learned how to work in a team, something that will benefit my entire life.”

Michelle Dobrowski, Jennifer’s mother, then told the crowd that her entire family was involved in scouting. Her two sons and daughter were members. She and her husband volunteer as leaders.