Five very different people and companies with one very similar interest - the community - will be lauded at the YWCA's annual awards luncheon on Oct. 19 in the Genetti's Grand Ballroom.

"All of the awards encompass people who support the mission of the YWCA and promote justice and equality either individually or in their corporate atmosphere," said Janel Gordner, YWCA director of development and communications.

Two local businesses and three more individuals have been named as award winners for the annual achievement.

According to Gordner, the Unsung Hero award will go to North Penn Legal Services because of its commitment to the YWCA. It has worked closely with the organization throughout the year, immensely helping the Wise Options program.

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette will receive the Racial Corporate award because of its ability to shine a spotlight on the local businesses and people who do positive things in the area, according to Gordner.

Barbara Hudock will receive the Racial Justice Individual award.

"She is involved in so many things in the community. She is just a phenomenal person. She was one of the key people to bring Dr. Ben Carson to the area. She has done a lot for the community," Gordner said.

Two women will be honored with the Blanche Smink Volunteers of the Year award. Those women are Sandy Spencer and Julie Steinbacher.

"Our two community volunteers who are winning the award are fabulous. They both go above and beyond in all of their community involvement. It is amazing, all of the things that they do," Gordner said.

Another award will be announced at the event as well. The YWCA Employee of the Year will be honored at the event.

This year will be the first time the Wise Woman of the Year is not awarded at the event. The award has become part of the YWCA's Women of Excellence honors, which are held in the spring.

One unique characteristic of community-minded individuals is they never believe they have done enough, as is the case with the three women who will be honored this year.

"I am very honored and delighted and humbled. I am very pleased and honored because I don't really think that I did that much. However, I would like to say that the community was so responsive to when we brought Ben Carson to the area and I just want to say thank you," Hudock said.

Hudock also was honored as a "Woman of Excellence" in the spring.

The YWCA's mission is female empowerment and the elimination of racism, which is important to Steinbacher.

"I am really honored. I don't feel like I did enough. I believe strongly in the mission of the YWCA and how it supports the community," Steinbacher said.

Spencer, whose community involvement has earned her the CASA Volunteer of the Year award in the past, will welcome another YWCA honor.

The area businesses that are honored this year make it their business to be involved in the community, the Sun-Gazette through its publications and North Penn Legal Services through its assistance in community legal matters.

"We strive for editorial equality throughout our product. It is my personal belief that every person in the readership area should have the opportunity to either be in the paper or have stories covered that are related directly to their lives," said Bernard A. Oravec, Sun-Gazette publisher.

The luncheon will be at noon Oct. 19 at The Genetti.

Invitations for the event went out Oct. 1. For more information or to make a reservation, call Gordner at 322-4637.