VERC Enterprises is honored for their commitment to hiring individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Cardinal Cushing Centers recently honored Leo and Paul Vercollone, President and Vice President respectively of VERC Enterprises, with the Franciscan Leadership Award. VERC Enterprises is a leading convenience store and Mobil/Gulf gasoline operator with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Cardinal Cushing Centers, located in Hanover, is an intergenerational community where individuals with intellectual disabilities are provided supports to achieve independence and fulfilling relationships.

The Vercollones accepted the award at Cardinal Cushing Centers’ annual fundraising gala, held June 4th at the Weston Boston Copley, for their commitment to hiring those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

This year’s gala featured a fashion show where several greater Boston business luminaries and clients of Cardinal Cushing Centers took to the catwalk to model clothing donated or loaned by local retailers.

John Burgess, who is a VERC Enterprises employee and a Cardinal Cushing Centers client, participated in the fashion show as a model.

“We could not retain our place as a leader in our field without people like Leo and Paul,” said Jo Ann Simons, CEO of Cardinal Cushing Centers. “VERC has a long-term commitment to employing a significant number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are proud to call them our partners and our friends.”

“We recognized Leo and Paul not only because they have provided jobs to the individuals we support whose lives are now more enriched because they have a job and a paycheck, but because they have also set a standard for other businesses to follow,” Simons continued.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Cardinal Cushing Centers for our dedication to hiring individuals who are challenged,” said Leo Vercollone. “That commitment has proven to be a great experience for our company and it is one we vow to continue.”