BRAD SQUIRES NAMED ROTARY’S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Posted by Ann Hively

on Jan 18, 2013

A very big surprise and honor were in store for Brad Squires, Director of the Orangevale Food Bank, at Orangevale Rotary’s January 18 meeting. Brad was invited to attend the meeting to give an update on the progress and needs of the food bank. Following his short presentation, President Ann Hively began sharing a list of Brad’s many philanthropic endeavors both in Orangevale and worldwide, at the end of which he was honored with Rotary’s Citizen of the Year Award and a standing ovation.

Brad and his family have been very strong supporters of Orangevale’s Relay For Life since 2008, raising thousands for the American Cancer Society. Wanting to get even more involved with the needs of the Orangevale community, in October of 2011 he developed a plan for the Orangevale Food Bank. By January 2012 the Orangevale Food Bank opened its doors to the public. One year later the food bank is serving 650 – 700 local residents a month. Now that’s an accomplishment!

Wanting to make a difference in every aspect of his life, he created MC Gives Back, a philanthropic branch of his software company, Maintenance Connection, that serves those in need in other countries through short-term missions. In 2011 Brad led a team to Cambodia to give computer and technology training. Last year a team traveled to Costa Rica to build and repair damaged roofs and housing. The world community is also benefiting from this very caring Orangevale citizen.

President Ann ended her award presentation by sharing a very personal tribute that Brad’s wife, Megan, had written: “Brad would never call himself one, but he is a visionary in every aspect of the word. When he sees a need, he doesn’t stop until he finds a way to meet it. His business, community, and family are so blessed to have a man like Brad in their lives.”