Rev. Lawrence E. Lucas III
Barbara Paparella
Jerry Kelley
Sr. Betty Giarrusso, CSJ, Interfaith Bridge Builders
Deacon John Droz, The Good News Foundation
Joseph Wolczyk, Esq., Rotary International
CO-Chairs Laurie Kelley & Anita Brown
Rev. Lawrence Lucas III

Ed is a lifelong resident of the Greater Utica area and a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School and Mohawk Valley Community College and has completed a 36-year banking career.

He serves on many community boards including the Good News Foundation of Central New York, Inc., Interfaith Bridge Builders Coalition, Inc., Utica Industrial Development Corp., Utica Head Start Children and Families, Inc., Credit Bureau of Utica, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Cornhill Community for Change, a member of NAACP, Counselor for S.C.O.R.E., and past Chairperson of the Greater Utica United Way Annual Campaign.

Ed is immediate Past District Governor of Rotary International, serving the Central New York District, which has 44 clubs and 1800 members. Ed is a member of the Greater Utica Sunrise Club. He was presented with the Rotary International Presidential Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to Families and Communities.

He is President of the Good News Foundation of CNY, Inc., which serves the Eastern Vicariate of the Roman Catholic-Diocese of Syracuse. Ed is a facilitator of Leadership Skills for Small Group coordinators.

Ed and his wife, Barbara, reside in Whitesboro, NY. They have three sons, eight daughters and 24 grandchildren. An advocate for the needs of those unkindly challenged by society, or in life's transition, Ed is compassionate, caring, and is driven by his faith and obedience to God. His mission and passion in life is to bring about a sense of Love that transcends all races and cultures in anticipation of that day when All people can live in peace and harmony together.

Rotary International

The mission of Rotary International is to assist and guide Rotarians and Rotary clubs to accomplish the Object of Rotary, to ensure Rotary's continuing relevance, and to help build a better world, emphasizing service activities by individuals and groups that enhance the quality of life and human dignity, encouraging high ethical standards, and creating greater understanding among all people to advance the search for peace in the world.

Good News Foundation of CNY, Inc.

To serve the people of Central New York, mainly the Eastern Vicariate, in encouraging and providing the "Good News" of Jesus, the Christ, to all people. This shall be accomplished with creative, visionary and sensitive grants. We shall encourage organizations and individuals to design innovative programs to bring the saving work of Jesus to all who are willing to listen. We shall devote special emphasis to Catholic leadership and shall work in harmony with, but independently of, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. To perform as a prudent manager of philanthropic assets created by gifts and bequests. To act as a gathering point for those who want to work in the fields of the Lord.

Interfaith Bridge Builders Coalition, Inc.

The Interfaith Bridge Builders coalition seeks to celebrate and uphold the cultural and ethnic diversity of our community and to promote reconciliation among all people. In recognition of the reality of racism, we will advocate for racial peace and justice and hold accountable our community and its leadership for its action with regard to the fair and equal treatment of all.

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Ed's moving testimonial speech:

Thank You..... This place is filled with real hero’s...... Let me take a few minutes to recognize some of them....

Oneida County Executive - Ralph Eannace....A Rotarian and a committed individual building a stronger and vibrant Oneida County. Ed Jackson - President of Cornhill Community for Change...working daily to rebuild our inner city, known as Cornhill.

PDG’s Paul Stratton and Jim Raymonda.......leaders in our community, who know first hand, what polio can do to a person. They have been crusaders for Rotary to end polio in our world. In the year 2005 in Chicago, the 1905 birth place of Rotary, we will announce to the world....Polio is eradicated. This is the result of the leadership role of Rotary in this effort, working 20 years, raising millions of dollars and putting together millions of volunteers to administer the vaccine World Wide.

Sister Rose Vincent, CEO of St. Elizabeth Medical Center - providing health care needs for “all people”. LeRoy Scheidelman - Benefactor of the Good News Foundation.......praying and being very, very generous financially for the success of Catholic Evangelization, as his vision.

Dennis Manning - Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, providing humanitarian services to thousands of our brothers and sisters in the greater Central New York Region.

I could go around the room and share a hero’s story for each and every one of you.....You are the hero’s... making a difference each and every day here in our community and in different parts of the world.

My motivation and passion to serve is fueled by 3 energy forces....... First - My God, Jesus Christ...to whom I give all glory, honor and thanks for giving me this opportunity.

Second - My family...All of them, my children, brothers, parents, extended family and especially my wife Barb for putting up with my not being around as much as I should. Their support and understanding expands that fire within to serve all people.

Third - It’s all of you and all my world brothers and sisters who represent that “Powerful Source for Good”. Thank you for sharing this wonderful occasion with me. Let me leave you with these words.... May our universal Creator be the light that guides our every step as we journey together. Thank you.