David Fell Spirit of Service Award
Guidelines for David Fell Spirit of Service Award
The David Fell Spirit of Service Award is presented to a company and/or individual who participated in the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program to recognize their efforts for demonstrating the qualities and characteristics of leadership within their company, the community, and beyond.
CRITERIA
General:
- Natural Stone Institute member in good standing.
- Has participated in at least (1) Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. project (home).
- Exemplifies leadership and service to their local community and/or their team.
Specific:
- Demonstrates a commitment towards making a positive and measurable impact for the industry and the R.I.S.E. program.
- Models an attitude of empathy for veterans and the R.I.S.E. program.
- Positively influences others and builds a spirit of camaraderie within the department and/or organization.
- Demonstrates quality work that sets an example while including others.
- Nominees must submit a short video (less than 2 minutes) explaining their involvement with the R.I.S.E. program and how it impacted them, their company, and others.
About David Fell
The David Fell Spirit of Service Award is presented in memory of David Fell, President of BG Hoadley Quarries.
David passed away unexpectedly in 2021 and his memory now lives on through a meaningful contribution to the Natural Stone Foundation. This award will also honor one of his life aspirations.
David’s family discovered a list of goals David hoped to accomplish before his retirement. The list includes his desire to be involved with the excellent work that NSI members are doing through the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program. The award not only pays tribute to David’s memory but also accomplishes one of his life goals by honoring a company or individual who has participated in this program.
“We are so incredibly proud of this Award named for David because it conveys his belief that it’s a wonderful world when we give back by helping and serving others with our natural resources. Our nation’s heroes put their lives on the line to serve and save us!”
David’s Mother, Patsy Fell-Barker, BG Hoadley Quarries
To learn more about the award, please contact Pam Hammond at (440) 250-9222 or pam@naturalstoneinstitute.org.
Current Award Recipients
2024 Recipient — Evan Cohen, Quality Marble & Granite
Evan Cohen, of Quality Marble & Granite, exemplifies a path others aspire to follow. His contagious enthusiasm for the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program has been a major driver for him personally and professionally. It is because of his belief in giving back to others and embodying the spirit of service that he encourages others to get involved and do the same.
Evan’s company has contributed natural stone to several home projects and his employees often ask when the next home project will occur. The entire team ensures that each veteran’s stone selection experience is memorable and meaningful during their visit to Evan’s facility.
Jonathan Mitnick of CCS Stone, and Natural Stone Institute 2025 R.I.S.E. committee chair, shared, “Evan has always demonstrated his passion for the R.I.S.E. program in a personal way. Supplying stone wasn’t enough, so he personally attended several home dedications with his wife and children to celebrate and pay tribute to our nation’s severely wounded heroes. Personal engagement symbolizes Evan’s dedication to the program and his desire to give back to others.”
Evan’s contributions to R.I.S.E. extend far beyond his business. He volunteers countless hours advocating for the program and sharing its importance with others. Having served on the Natural Stone Institute R.I.S.E. committee for several years and as the committee chair in 2023, Evan has helped expand the program support and made it a priority for our association. Through Evan’s natural leadership abilities and devotion to this worthy cause, the industry has embraced our nation’s heroes and continues doing a little more to make their lives better.
Congratulations to Evan Cohen, the 2024 recipient of the David Fell Spirit of Service award.
Honorary Lifetime Recipient — Gary Sinise
Past Award Recipients
2023 — Greg Osterhout, Northern Stone Supply, Inc.
2022 — Bernie Van Etten, Murphy Marble Company
