Dog Rescue Co-Founder Named 2014 Capital Region Volunteer Citizen of the Year

Albany, NY (June 19, 2014) -In its second year, Direct Energy and The Gazette's Capital Region Volunteer Citizen of the Year award program is honoring Cydney Cross of Albany, New York. Cross was recognized for co-founding the nonprofit Out of the Pits Rescue rescuing and placing dogs in loving homes, offering free behavioral assistance for veterans, seniors, and others in need with food and vet care, as well as coordinating therapy dog visits at prisons, schools, hospitals, libraries, and more.

According to Cross' nomination via Joann Ravida: "To say that she [Cydney] spends every waking moment (when not working) involved in helping helpless animals is a valid statement. Her phone never stops ringing from people looking for help placing a dog they can't keep and she often does what she can in terms of free training to keep dogs in their homes. She easily spends 12-plus hours of every day on volunteer activities." In addition, Cross drives weekly to deliver dog food to a few homeless people so they can keep their dogs, and fields calls from people about their dogs' medical issues; with a small budget of rescue funds, she helps them when possible.

"By hosting this award program in New York's Capital Region for a second time, we were hoping to find yet another outstanding volunteer that makes the community a better place to live. Cydney and her dedication to helping needy dogs fits the bill, and we are excited to honor her in this way," said David Hindman, general manager for Direct Energy's residential business.

By winning the Capital Region Volunteer Citizen of the Year award, Cross will receive a $5,000 donation to the Out of the Pits rescue from Direct Energy. The donation will be used to spay and neuter community pit bulls in the Capital District to avoid unwanted litters that would ultimately end up in local shelters.

"We are thrilled to honor Cydney Cross as this year's Capital Region Volunteer Citizen of the Year winner," said John DeAugustine, publisher for The Gazette. "Cydney is a true example of the amazing volunteers we have in the Capital Region."

A special event honoring Cydney will be held at Shawna's Dogs, 64 Hannay Ln., Glenmont, NY on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. Representatives from Direct Energy and The Gazette will be on hand to present Cydney with her award.

Last year's Volunteer Citizen of the Year awardee was Chris Lehman, the founder of the Albany Therapeutic Riding Center (ATRC), a facility that provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons for those with mental and physical disabilities.

For further information, please contact:
Andrea Romo
Direct Energy
Andrea.Romo@directenergy.com
412.667.5207