Photo by Howard Owens.
The dedication of Robert and Mary Ellen Zickl to the children of Genesee County is a big reason the Batavia couple was honored on Friday at Terry Hills by The Jerome Foundation with the 38th Health and Humanitarian Award.
Besides taking children in need into their home for long and short stays, the Zickls have been advocates and supporters of Catholic education. Mary Ellen is also the founder of All Babies Cherished.
The couple has volunteered their time at both St. Joseph School and Notre Dame High School. Bob currently serves on the ND Board of Directors and St. Joseph School Board. He volunteers on the sidelines coaching ND football, as well as organizing and supervising athletes in the weight room, promoting good fitness and healthy choices.
Mary Ellen is also involved in the Rosary Society at Ascension Parish, chairing several committees.
Bob is an assistant district attorney for Genesee County. Mary Ellen is a retired Special Education Teacher. They have five children.
The Health and Humanitarian Award recognizes “ordinary people who reach far beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope, care, and friendship, and helping build a stronger, healthier community.”
The Zickls were nominated by Karen Green, principal of St. Joseph’s School.
In her nomination, Green noted that Bob and Mary Ellen have often given children a "loving, compassionate and safe home that provided lasting memories and effects on all those who are familiar with them. In two instances in particular, they opened their home to children who were not their own, but who were treated as members of their family, with much love and support during particularly challenging times. I know they will forever consider the Zickl home to be their own.”
Bob spoke on behalf of the couple in accepting the award and noted that the award's committee chair, retired City Court Judge Robert Balbick, came to Zickl's office in the County Courthouse personally to deliver the news, which caught Zickl by surprise.
"As soon as he left, I got on my phone to look up 'humanitarian,' Bob said. "Okay, a bit of a rough fit, but okay. Prosecutors don't usually get described in those terms. For a long time, I was afraid to look at the list of previous honorees. I did today. It was on the program. That is a very impressive list and to be included with people like that is, that's a great honor."
Photo by Howard Owens
