Michael and Jodie Casarico and family of Shelburne, Vermont will be honored by the Greater Burlington YMCA as recipients of the “2010 Character in Action Family Award” for their involvement in the community and dedication to family values. The honor is awarded annually to a family which best demonstrates the YMCA’s core values through everyday words and actions. The Casaricos were chosen for their commitment to the following values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
The Casaricos have been members of the Y community for over a decade. All four children—Corinne, Mikey, Madison and Chelsea—have participated in the swim program, swim team and other programs at the Y. Over the past 15 years, mother Jodie Casarico has worked in various capacities as a teacher, trainer, volunteer and dedicated swim coach, among other roles.
Jodie Casarico says of the honor,” Our family is so fortunate to be receiving this recognition. We love being able to support the Y, whose focus is on healthy bodies and healthy families. Just as I did when I was a child, our children enjoy being a part of the Y family and we are honored to be recognized in this way.”
In addition to their personal involvement with the organization, the Y has chosen to recognize Michael and Jodie Casarico for the community improvement they have achieved through their business, Burlington Laboratories. Mary Burns, President and CEO of the Y said of the award, “The Casarico family values are seen in the work of Burlington Laboratories, a company inspired by social responsibility and caring for others. In forming Burlington Labaratories, the Casaricos not only improved the speed by which drug and alcohol testing results are delivered—but have improved the chances for successful treatment among those who struggle with substance abuse. In fact, the Casaricos’ ultimate goal is to positively affect the lives of people who have a problem with drugs or alcohol—as well as the lives of family and friends who are also affected. The work that Michael and Jodie do through Burlington Laboratories shows their concern and caring for the people in our community.”
The awards ceremony will take place on May 20th at the Burlington Country Club.
For more than 144 years, the Greater Burlington Y has been a charitable organization with a social mission—to build a strong community by involving youth, adults and families of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, races and religions in programs and activities that develop spirit, mind and body—regardless of their ability to pay. Today, the Y touches more than 14,200 lives through two fitness branches, 29 childcare sites and offers more than 80 youth and family development programs within five counties.
