It's not Ed McMahon, but one local charity got a very nice surprise for the holidays. As reported by The Ticker, employees of Hagerty  voted on a winner to receive a $25,000 end of year donation. The Father Fred Foundation was on the other end of the call. "We had several wonderful employees from Hagerty that have donated their time to help us," said Martie Manty, executive director of the Father Fred Foundation, "We feel extremely blessed to be selected, this is much needed and wonderful." Manty says that the money will be used to help fund medical and dental expenses for clients in the five county area. In the first 11 months of 2012, Father Fred helped 824 people obtain necessary medical and dental care.

In addition to the well known food pantry, Father Fred provides financial assistance to clients for utilities, medical/dental, and also sets aside an amount each year to help provide shoes and boots for those in need. More at www.fatherfred.org.