Muscatello Yost honored with Cornerstone Award
The Jean B. Purvis Community Cornerstone Award Dinner was a night of celebration and camaraderie for Audray Muscatello Yost, this year’s honoree.
The Jean B. Purvis Community Clinic provides health, dental and vision care to the uninsured or underinsured, and Yost has been helping raise funds for the clinic for three years.
“The community is very fortunate to have this clinic,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful organization. I’m very honored to be the recipient this year.”
Family and friends of Yost gathered at the Butler Country Club for have dinner and share stories in her honor as the Cornerstone winner.
Kim Reamer, executive director of the health center, said the award winners must exhibit the characteristics of Jean B. Purvis herself, who conceptualized the clinic.
“We look for a person that’s given back to the community in the health world. (Yost) has been instrumental in our fundraising. We really thought she was a great candidate for the award and all it stands for,” she said.
Jim Cunningham, director of development at the center, said Yost’s dedication knows no bounds.
“Funny thing, we were setting up this morning and (Yost) walked in. I said, ‘What are you doing? You’re the honoree!’ She said, ‘Well, I want to do something,’” he said. “She’s just such a dedicated person, not just with (the center). You need people who are going to do what they say they’re going to do.”
Friends of Yost, such as Annie Baglier, shared funny and uplifting stories about her character.
“She’s always given 210% with everything,” she said. “(Yost) is kind, loving, enthusiastic. I don’t have to tell you folks all that. You’re here because you know that.”
In addition to helping with clinic fundraisers, Yost is the project planner for the Golden Tornado Scholastic Foundation, team leader for the Kids’ Weekend Backpack Program, and a board member for Butler County Humane Society and the Friends of Preston Park Foundation.
“Everyone knows all the boards (Yost) is on. She’s not on these boards to have her name on them. She truly believes in every board’s mission,” said friend Jenley Birch.
Yost’s daughter, Michelle Muscatello Lucas, thanked her mother for setting a great example with her generosity.
“We’re so proud to see her as a leader in this community,” she said.
Yost was presented with flowers, an engraved clock, and a standing ovation at the night’s end. She spent the majority of her speech recognizing those she serves with.
“There’s so many volunteers that deserve these flowers and this clock. I will never forget this night,” she said.
