Back to list Service & repair Sep 08, 2015 23:00 Direct Energy Honors Sports and Child Advocate as Syracuse's Volunteer Citizen of the Year Syracuse, NY (September 9, 2015) - Allen LaVenture was selected as this year's winner of the Syracuse Volunteer Citizen of the Year award by Direct Energy and Syracuse Media Group. LaVenture was recognized for his work with the Syracuse Silver Knight Foundation, which creates educational and athletic programs that help enrich the lives of children by motivating them to reach their potential. "LaVenture is a community leader who's focused on investing in the lives of future generations," said Chris Kellaher, senior director with Direct Energy. "His vision for the Foundation has led to an organization that encourages creativity, instills confidence and engages all children." As a driving force behind the establishment of the Syracuse Silver Knight Foundation in 2013, LaVenture has worked with business leaders to cast a vision for a nonprofit organization focused on providing opportunities for children in sports and all educational aspects that surround sports, such as photography, design, sports medicine, and journalism, among others. He works with businesses, schools and libraries to provide programs, including the "Knights' Code," an interactive anti-bullying and teamwork message that has been taken to over 60 school districts. Also, he has collaborated with local libraries to create the "Running & Reading" program, which teaches the importance of fitness and reading for child development. "I believe sports creates a great environment to empower children, encourage creativity and instill confidence, not just on the field, but opportunities behind the scenes as well," said LaVenture. "Creativity in sports, art and music all comes from the same place and my goal is to encourage that creativity no matter where a child's passion lies. I'm humbled by this recognition and thrilled that we can serve even more children with donations from Direct Energy." As the winner of the Syracuse Volunteer Citizen of the Year award, the Silver Knight Foundation will receive a $5,000 donation from Direct Energy. The donation will be used to expand existing programs and continue to reach out to new neighborhoods and partnering charities. A special award event honoring LaVenture will be held on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Representatives from Direct Energy and Syracuse Media Group will be on hand to present him with the award. The event will be held at Syracuse Media Group (220 S Warren St. Syracuse, NY 13202). For further information, please contact: Jessica Michan Manager, External Relations Jessica.Michan@directenergy.com 713-904-7488 About Direct Energy Direct Energy is a leading energy and energy-related services provider with nearly five million residential and commercial customers in North America. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and 10 provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com. About Syracuse Media Group Syracuse Media Group, part of Advance Media New York, is Central New York's largest digital media company. Our flagship brands are syracuse.com, the leading website in the region and The Post-Standard, which has served the community since 1829. We publish and operate an extensive portfolio of digital and print products featuring comprehensive, in-depth coverage from the area's largest news organization including NewYorkUpstate.com, a travel and tourism product for Upstate New York travelers, as well as The Good Life, Central New York Magazine, and the Syracuse Visitor's Guide.