HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The First Annual Roadie’s Legacy Award for Kindness was presented in Horseheads on Saturday afternoon.
Roadie was a a local therapy dog who worked with thousands of kids in the Southern Tier, in the Elmira City School District, Town of Southport and Summer Cohesion and at community events. He passed away in October, and in his memory, an award has been designed to acknowledge youth who have demonstrated Roadie's beliefs. According to Roadie's owners, Roadie was an ambassador for kindness and inclusion, and loved every living being equally regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, monetary status, physical or mental ability.
At the Horseheads American Legion, dozens of people gathered to honor Roadie and present this award. This was in conjunction with the Kramer Foundation's fundraiser. The Kramer Foundation is an animal service organization that fosters, rehabilitates and rehomes dogs that are in need of support and a second chance.
"This is a promotion, and it continues letting people understand what Roadie was about and what his major job was and honoring those kids who, regardless of what home life might be, what their grades are, whatever, continue to stand out in the kindness that they show to people around them," said Juli Lathrop, the CEO of the Kramer Foundation.
Two people were given the First Annual Roadie's Legacy Award for Kindness. Dakota Rinker was the elementary student recipient, and Justin Daum was the high school recipient. Organizers say these two individuals represent what Roadie stood for.
A scholarship fund has also been created with the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning that will be given yearly to a graduate entering a trade school. If you would like to donate to that scholarship in memory of Roadie, checks can be sent to:
Roadie's Legacy Fund
C/O Community Foundation
301 S Main St
Horseheads, NY 14845