This year’s Humanitarian Award recipient has never sought accolades for his generosity to needy causes.
Pictured above: Above, Frank G. Cannata and CJ Cannata. Bottom, Keith Allison surrounded by his daughters, left to right, Janene Aul, Jacquiline Smith, and Cara Spencer.
This year’s Humanitarian Award was presented to Keith Allison, president & CEO of Systel Business Equipment in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Keith is a long-time friend, and this recognition is not only fitting but long overdue.
Keith is the third recipient of this award. Our first Humanitarian Award went to Lou Scantland of DOCUmation in San Antonio, Texas, and the second to Chris Scarff of Ray Morgan Company in Chico, California. The three are among the finest human beings we have ever been privileged to know.
What makes Keith a perfect fit for this special crown is not only his generosity but how quietly he contributes. You travel to his hometown in Fayetteville, and you will also find the name Systel on the tallest building in that town. It is in lights and circles the top of the building. He promotes his business not himself. You will find his name on one of the buildings at the University of North Carolina.
His giving is widespread and chief among the causes he supports are those that serve veterans. Systel is located next to Fort Bragg, home of the 82nd Airborne Division. Further north is Camp Lejeune, home of the 2nd Marine Division. The result is Systel serves the military in two of the largest installations in the country. Those are two areas where Keith excels. He has generously supported our many charities, and he does so after the event as he has no interest in our acknowledging it to anyone.
Last year, we received a rather substantial check from Keith about two weeks after our 34th Annual Awards & Charities Dinner in November. He could not attend, but his three daughters did and participated by presenting an award to one of the recipients. That had to be about the fifth time he has supported our efforts in cancer research and care—I have lost track of the exact number.
There are many other instances of his giving to those in need, but it would be inappropriate to share what we have learned privately from his daughters and a key employee.
There was a time that Keith did something that was truly special for Carol. When she told me, I was very pleased, but not surprised. He had done something similar once before. I asked him why he did that. His response was short and to the point. “I do that as a sign of respect.” I know his kindness towards us is not unique.
People such as Keith Allison, Chris Scarff, and Lou Scantland do not look for applause or recognition for the depth of their charity.
Keith’s love of our country shows in his commitment to veterans who have a growing need due to the number that come home maimed with loss of limbs and other horrific injuries as well as PTSD, the silent killer.
When people demonstrate how charitable a person is, organizations and politicians come out of the woodwork looking for him to donate. In many cases Keith does, and he does so without any great fanfare.
Keith is kind of a character, and so many people misjudge him as lacking any depth. He is not that, by any means. He built a very successful business and has been hard at it for 39 years.
Congratulations Keith on your well-deserved recognition. You are indeed a very special person and this industry is well served by your many contributions.
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