CHARLES H. FLYNN HUMANITARIAN AWARD |
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The 2009 Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award
Fred Ortoli
In recognition of "outstanding volunteer leadership" in the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Fred Ortoli’s photographs of the Valley are well known, as are his volunteer activities. He's the guy who makes everyone else look great in many different ways. Though many already recognize his photographic skills which have made him the Valley's "Community Photographer," Fred is also a person who has rolled up his sleeves and provided his leadership skills to many of the Valley's nonprofit agencies.
He began his photography career at Chesebrough Ponds where he was an in-house photographer for eighteen years, leaving in 1990. He had started Fred Ortoli Photography in 1969 and expanded that into his full time occupation.
When not behind the camera, Fred is very busy contributing his time and talents as a member of the Board of Directors of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Birmingham Foundation and the Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a member and former president of the Ansonia Rotary Club, and a member of the Derby Historical Society and Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council. He is a former member of United Way's Board of Directors and has been a member of its Campaign Cabinet for the annual fundraising campaign.
He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus of Seymour and St. Augustine Church, and a former member of the Oxford Economic Development Corporation.
Fred was a 2003 recipient of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold Seal Award, presented for outstanding service through dedicated and effective leadership.
Fred has donated his services to nearly every non-profit organization in the Valley. He credits his commitment to volunteerism to his father, Frederick F. Ortoli, who was a very active leader with several Valley organizations and his mother Josephine Ortoli, who was a 2008 recipient of the Valley Women Making a Difference Award. Fred nominated his mother for the award and cites her organizing and working at American Red Cross Blood Drives for 55 years as well as being an active volunteer at Holy Rosary Church.
In announcing the award, Flynn Committee Chair Bill Partington said that, "Fred exemplifies all that is good about volunteer leaders in the Valley. He seems to be everywhere and know everyone. We only wish that we could clone his energy, enthusiasm and expertise so that the Valley could benefit from many more Fred Ortolis".
The award was presented at Valley United Way's Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on April 28, 2009.
Learn more about the Charles H.
Flynn Humanitarian Award:
Past Winners of the Award
