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July 30, 2015Local Business Leader Honored with Red Cross Humanitarian Award
The Adirondack-Saratoga branch of the American Red Cross is pleased to announce that Christopher R. Dowd, president and CEO at Ballston Spa National Bank, is the recipient of the 2015 Philly Dake Humanitarian Award.
Named for Phyllis “Philly” Dake, matriarch of Stewart’s Shops and longtime supporter of the Adirondack-Saratoga Red Cross, this award was first presented to Mrs. Dake herself in 2011. Since then, it has continued to be awarded each year in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the American Red Cross in the Adirondack-Saratoga community. The recipient of the Philly Dake Humanitarian Award is decided by the Red Cross’ local board of directors, who unanimously selected Dowd to receive the honor this year.
“Chris has done so much for the local Red Cross,” said Stefanie Bitter, chair of the Adirondack-Saratoga branch board of directors. “Not only did he extend his service as board chair during a time when he was enormously busy at work, but in the subsequent three years he has been a trusted advisor to both Rob Albano and to me as we each assumed our own terms as board chair. His commitment to the mission of the Red Cross is incredible.”
Dowd is a past-chair and current member of the Adirondack-Saratoga branch board of directors. He also serves on the regional board of directors for the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. In 2014, Dowd and his wife, Patricia Putman, served as honorary co-chairs for the Red Cross Fire + Ice Gala, which raised more than $80,000 in net proceeds. Through his board service and his philanthropic commitments, Dowd has helped to ensure the long-term success of the Red Cross in his community. He continues to serve the organization at every opportunity and is a constant, positive force in advancing the Red Cross mission.
