Terry Burden – East End Community Center Fund
My life of service started early through my affiliation with the youth ministries at my church in Uniontown, PA. My life of service continued while I was a student at The University of Pittsburgh, were I was inducted into The Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority. I was involved in many service projects in the Oakland community of Pittsburgh, during this time.
After graduation, I decided to return to Fayette County to be near family. I became a member of Interfaith Assembly for Christ Church, where I’ve been a Trustee, and Board Member and served as the Treasurer for over 15 years. I had a twenty eight year professional career as a Claims Representative with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, but continued by involvement with service projects in the community. Prior to retirement I was awarded State Farm Insurance Companies Northeast Zone Volunteer of the Year. I was also honored by the Pittsburgh Courier as one of their Fifty Women of Excellence.
After receiving an invitation from a friend, I attended a Silver Generations meeting at the East End United Community Center. I became involved in many of the programs at the Center, and I believe because of this involvement, I was selected as the East End United Community Center Volunteer of the year in January 2016. I was asked by Matthew Crutchman, East End United Community Center Executive Director, to be the face of Center through the 2016 Fayette Philanthropy Project. After consideration, I accepted and was excited about being involved in the numerous fundraising activities representing East End United Community Center in the Philanthropy Project. My fundraisers have included hoagies sales and a Gospel Explosion Concert. All funds I raise will be used to create an Agency Fund for the Center to be used to sustain the organization and provide for them a bright future.
Being recognized publicly was never a priority, as I believe the scripture Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required: and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more is demanded.”
