Contact: Mark Allen,
Executive Director/CEO
(512) 334-5504 
[email protected]

For Immediate Release

GARDINIER FUNERAL HOME RECEIVES
OGR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Austin, Texas, April 16, 2018 – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is proud to announce that Gardinier Funeral Home in Franklin, PA was awarded the 2018 Golden Rule Community Service Award at OGR’s Annual Conference & Solution Center in Savannah, GA on April 6. OGR is the world’s leading professional association dedicated to making independent funeral homes exceptional. The Golden Rule Community Service Award, now in its eighth year, is awarded in recognition of a funeral home’s outstanding community service as demonstrated by involvement benefiting local organizations or community events.

Every year, the nonprofit “Our Community Salutes,” recognizes the advancement of high school graduates into the armed forces nationwide in a special ceremony. This organization provides enlistees and their parents with information, guidance, resources and community support as their sons and daughters transition into the military service.

Since 2014, Gardinier Funeral Home has sponsored this event by providing Living Candles for the enlistees.  These “Living” Candles have 4 sides to them, which the staff has created and assembled each year.

When the recruit or soldier is away from home, the yellow ribbon panel is turned facing the door which signifies the recruits are away and the family is awaiting their return.  When the recruits have arrived home, the “Our Community Salutes” panel faces the door showing support. The candle represents not only support for the military, but also provides a glowing light to guide the new recruit home. 

“It’s this type of work that helps families find encouragement and support from these candles, and it’s OGR member firms like Gardinier Funeral Home that embrace and encourage community involvement year round,” said Charles Castiglia, OGR’s Immediate Past President.

About OGR
Founded in 1928, OGR is affiliated with independent funeral homes throughout North America and overseas that share common goals of exemplary service, uncompromising care and compassion to families in their time of need. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

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