UA Supporter Receives Surprise Ben’s Bell

University Relations - Communications
July 23, 2014

University of Arizona partner Steve Seidl of Merle's Automotive Supply in Tucson was surprised with a a Ben’s Bell today in recognition of his longtime support of Cats in the Community, the UA's annual volunteer event.

The honor is presented by Ben's Bells, a community organization that promotes kindness and community connection through activities that include the creation of hand-glazed ceramic bells. Each week, a person or group in the Tucson community is selected to receive a Ben's Bell in recognition of their contributions.

Seidl was nominated by several UA employees, who noted his "above and beyond dedication" to Cats Day. In March, the UA partnered with Annie W. Kellond Elementary, and University students and employees painted murals, planted flowers, installed shade structures, organized the library, ran drives for the school, cleaned outdoor areas and created a Ben's Bell mosaic, among other things. In support of Seidl, the nominators wrote: 

"For this event, the faculty and staff of the University unite to makeover a local nonprofit organization. Merle's Automotive is a longtime sponsor of this event, but their employee of 30 years, Steve, takes it beyond the monetary value.  Not only does he donate supplies for breakfast and lunch, but he personally shops for the food, marinates the meat and generously prepares it on the barbeque attached to his personal pickup truck. The hardworking volunteers are served a delicious meal as a way for Steve to thank them for their dedication. It is now time to show our gratitude for Steve's generosity and loyalty. Rain or shine, Steve has not missed this event in the past five years. Each year he is the first to arrive, backing up his barbeque machine before dawn and unloading with a smile on his face. Steve deserves to be belled because he serves an example of how an exceptional community member can strive to make a difference in Tucson."

Photo credit: Sheila McGinnis

Contact: Sheila McGinnis, UA director of outreach and community partnerships, at smcginnis@email.arizona.edu or 520-626-4671.

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