Nick Dragan of Sunset Hills, Mo., received a 2011 South Journal Award from the Suburban Journals newspaper chain in the St. Louis area for his volunteer work.
The former Marine was honored for his efforts with the area Semper Fi Society:
The group also hosted a Route 66 classic car cruise on Watson Road in August to benefit the USO and the Lindbergh School District.
“We raised about $4,000,” Dragan said.
They also generated plenty of business along Watson Road.
As a businessman who has volunteered for numerous civic boards and committees in Sunset Hills, Dragan said one of his goals is to combine charity with economic benefit.
Other honorees were Caya Aufiero and John Chen of the Urban Eats Cafe, schoolteacher Laurie Tretter-Larkin, and community gardener Tim Bolt.