Mountain Movers

Stories that shine a spotlight on YOU and YOUR support of Christian Appalachian Project’s mission.

While many businesses send food, wine, and other trinkets to top customers at Christmas, Louise Blanchard and her staff at Employee Benefits Administrators, a third-party medical and benefits administrator in Arcadia, California, have landed on a different way to express their appreciation.

“A few years ago, a vice president called to thank me for the gift as he was boarding a cruise to the Bahamas,” Louise said, recalling the moment she decided to make a change. “It hit me that the gifts were going to people who had the means to buy whatever they wanted. Why not use the money to help people who really need it?”

In December 2012, Louise and her staff voted to honor clients with a donation to Christian Appalachian Project to provide food, shelter, and clothing to people in need in Appalachia.

“It’s a great thing,” said Pat Petrocelli, chief operating officer for Walker Zanger, a tile company in Southern California. “The other stuff that comes at Christmas—do we really need it? No. We very much appreciate what Louise does to make life better for others.”

Giving seems to come naturally to the people at Employee Benefits Administrators. Throughout the year, they hold poker tournaments, bingo games, potluck lunches, and raffles for holiday baskets and movie tickets to raise money.

“I enjoy organizing the fundraisers each month,” said staffer Renee Townsend. “I know the money goes to a good cause.”

“It’s an awesome opportunity to show God’s love and bring joy to people. Hearing that there is so much need in our own country has been eye-opening,” coworker Amy French added.

Louise matches or doubles what employees raise (depending on how good a year the company has had), and a portion is donated to Christian Appalachian Project. The rest is used to buy food and Christmas gifts for a local family identified by the Salvation Army. • --Susie Hillard Bullock

Many long-term relationships have strange beginnings. One that began in 1994 was the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. William

Crompton and Christian Appalachian Project. Mrs. Crompton said that “William was walking through the back yard and saw a $20 on the sidewalk. He was an institutional food salesman so he called a Sister at one of the hospitals he serviced who worked for Catholic Charities and asked her where he should send this money; she told him about the Christian Appalachian Project. The nun told him about the work Father Beiting did and said that every penny would go for the good of the people.”

The Cromptons support numerous charities. “We have six or seven charities that we support and CAP is one of them. We can’t give much but we know that every little bit helps.” She added, “I know the people of Appalachia have a hard time and what little we give helps.”

Mrs. Crompton grew up in Booneville, KY and her family is associated with the Searcy Strong Funeral Home. Living in Owsley County gave Mrs. Crompton a firsthand look at poverty in Appalachia. Owsley county is consistently considered one of the poorest in the nation. “I am from Booneville so I know the housing can be pitiful.”

The Cromptons’ relationship with each other is worthy of a story in and of itself. They have been happily married for 68 years. During their 68 years, the Lord has blessed them with three sons as well as beautiful grandchildren. • --Larry Pelfrey

In 1986, Scott Haner and wife Jo Ann heard CAP founder Reverend Ralph Beiting speak at the University of Kentucky’s Newman Center. “His story was so genuine and showed us an avenue to bring our Catholic faith to life outside our community,” Haner recalls. “We made a contribution to support the CAP effort and have been supporters ever since.”

Haner is a retired executive from Yum! Brands. His family owned the former Louisville, Ky. landmark Mazzoni’s Café, which served the original rolled oyster, for five generations since 1884. From childhood, he was taught the meaning of service and the value of hard work and money. So The Haner family’s generosity is as thoughtful as it is faithmotivated.

“God has blessed us so abundantly,” Haner reflects. “And CAP has provided us an opportunity to give back to others with grateful hearts.”

Haner is a man of positive energy. His corporate success is due in part to that contagious enthusiasm. So his passion for CAP should surprise no one.

He views the people of Appalachia as neighbors and shares their values of Christian faith and strong family heritage. But he recognizes that due to many societal challenges they frequently lack basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing, among other necessities.

“CAP programs reach out to these neighbors and seek to address their needs.” He adds, “They also provide volunteer opportunities which allow wellmeaning folks to expand their worldview and help their brothers and sisters in need.”

Haner also serves on the Board of the Society of St. Vincent dePaul in Louisville and Nazareth Farm in West Virginia, and is a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. He sees his involvement with CAP as an opportunity to honor Rev. Beiting by living out his own faith through giving and service. • --Paul Ransdell

Louise Blanchard and her staff at Employee Benefits Administrators

Scott and Jo Ann, with daughters Lauren and Julie.