Community Corner

Crestwood's Sant Automotive Owner Earns Presidential Volunteer Service Award

Dick Sant has been recognized by President Barack Obama and ShelterBox USA for his volunteer efforts following the Japan earthquake and other disasters.

Dick Sant, a Webster Groves Rotarian, has been honored by President Barack Obama and ShelterBox USA with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award.

As news of the Japan earthquake and tsunami unfolded last year, many watched the television wishing they could make a difference. Sant knew that ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity, would be on the scene delivering its iconic green box, which contains a family tent, a water purification system, a cook set and stove along with other lifesaving supplies.

Through Sant’s efforts in raising awareness and funds for ShelterBox, the organization was able to provide more than 17,600 ShelterBoxes to families throughout the world in 2011.

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"ShelterBox is not part of Rotary, but it was started by a Rotarian," Sant said in a statement. "It receives a tremendous amount of support from Rotary clubs around the world, and it demonstrates the type of things that Rotary does." 

Sant, a member of the , owns  in Crestwood. It is a full-service car repair and maintenance facility on Watson Road.

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“I am truly proud to honor our volunteers, who work hard year-round to support ShelterBox and our efforts to help families rebuild their lives across the globe,” Emily Sperling, ShelterBox president, said in a statement. “It’s because of the continuous efforts of our volunteers such as Dick that we are able to help so many vulnerable families each year.”

The award Sant received is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. It is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation.


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