Aqua Chairman Honored For Helping At-Risk Elderly In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION, PA – Aqua America Chairman and former President and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis was awarded the 2016 Community Leadership Award from ElderNet, a non-profit organization that advocates for at-risk elderly and disabled residents in the communities of Lower Merion and Narberth, on Wednesday, Aqua announced in a press release.

The award was given in recognition of DeBenedictis’ continued support of the organization’s programming and fundraising efforts throughout the years, according to the release.

“Having lived and worked in the region served by ElderNet for many years, I am well aware of the great need for the services they provide to at-risk populations,” DeBenedictis said in a press release. . “I’m honored to be a longtime supporter of this vital community organization and greatly humbled by the recognition.”

"It was ElderNet's privilege to honor Nick for his continued dedication to serving the community and supporting ElderNet in our efforts to alleviate the devastating effects of poverty and hunger," ElderNet's Executive Director Marisa Ferst said in the release.

DeBenedictis accepted his award on May 15 at ElderNet’s annual spring fundraiser, “Food For Thought,” which benefits the organization’s Ada Mutch Food Pantry. The pantry provides thousands of pounds of groceries to community members living in poverty or with low incomes.

Approximately 150 guests gathered for the event at the Appleford Estate in Villanova to support ElderNet and its food security initiatives. To date, through a silent auction, 50/50, ticket sales, donations, and their ad book, ElderNet is expecting to raise about $40,000 through the fundraiser.

Other 2016 award recipients include:

· Nancy Kirby, Good Neighbor Award

· Bruce Waddington, Volunteer of the Year Award

· Ardmore Presbyterian Church, Community Organization Award

In 2015, ElderNet's pantry provided more than 260,000 pounds of food to low-income community members in Lower Merion and Narberth.