3-13-2024 4:21am

Meet Kenneth Hunt, 70th Annual Boyertown Area Citizen of the Year

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lindsey Riegner Mason *

Kenneth Hunt has been named the 70th annual Boyertown Area Citizen of the Year. He has dedicated the last 20 + years of his life to serving others in the greater Boyertown community through various volunteer positions and community engagements.

Ken holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Drexel University. He was born in Philadelphia and raised in Bucks County, but made the permanent transition to the Boyertown area in 2000 when he joined the staff at Cabot Corporation.

Despite facing a layoff in 2004, Ken’s commitment to the community remained unwavering. He took on the role of Executive Director at United Way of Boyertown Area, a position he has held since 2005. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving positive change and supporting those in need within the community.

Ken’s volunteerism extends far beyond his role at United Way. He has served as the co-leader of the Boyertown Area Homelessness Task Force, Secretary of Berks-Mont Business Association (BMBA) and the catalyst of the BMBA Philadelphia Ave. Street Fair, an event for which he helps to lead the organizing committee. He has also been actively involved in initiatives such as serving as a free AARP tax preparer, delivering Meals on Wheels, and tutoring youth.

One local resident says, "Ken works hard on behalf of the Boyertown community—for no pay--in a variety of ways--but especially for those who are homeless and need charitable help. On several occasions I have gone to him with information about people in need. One individual was homeless and Ken worked to locate for him a warm place to live. Another time I became aware of people living in their car. He went to look for them several times. I believe he found them after several tries and helped them find a place to live. He's a quiet, gentle man who exudes uncommon warmth and kindness and exemplifies the best of us in his spirit of generosity, compassion, and willingness to help those who need it."

One word often used to describe Ken is "humble." Expressing appreciation for Citizen of the Year recognition, he says, "Thanks for this great honor. I am not the type of person who does well with awards. I believe accomplishments take a team of people; that is my experience." He also gives a shout-out to "all those team players who helped accomplish things like raising over $4million during my time at United Way, given back to over 20 agencies to help meet the most critical needs of Boyertown area residents. Everyone shares in this award!"

Residing in Montgomery County with Bernice Bates and their two Goldendoodle dogs, Lilly and Charlie, Ken cherishes time with his family. With three daughters spread across the country, family remains a central focus in his life.

Ken expresses a deep gratitude to the Boyertown community, recognizing its generosity and kindness. He credits the ongoing support of community members for enabling him to continue his meaningful work. Ken’s passion for service and his positive impact on the Boyertown area serve as an inspiration to all those around him.

* Lindsey Riegner Mason is a 2001 alum of Boyertown Area Senior High. She earned a BS in Elementary Education from West Chester University and an MLIS Library Science from Kutztown University. Lindsey served as Director of the Boyertown Community Library from 2012-2015 when she became a librarian in the Reading School District. Since 2021, she has held the position of Southern Middle School Librarian in the Wilson School District. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Lindsey was named the 66th Annual Boyertown Area Citizen of the Year, and honored in a "virtual ceremony." She lives with her husband, Corey, and has four stepchildren ranging in age from 18-24. She is active on the fundraising committee of the Boyertown Community Library and the conference committee for the Pennsylvania School Library Association.