Everett Brandon Roy, center, accepts the award for Butler Downtown's 2020 volunteer of the year, along with members of his team.

Everett Brandon Roy spent more than 160 hours picking up trash around the city and beyond since early 2020 through his nonprofit, Butler Hip Hop and Rap Community. Lisa Helmbreck has volunteered at every event Butler Downtown has had this year, and eventually became part of its design committee.

Both individuals were honored by Butler Downtown at its annual meeting Wednesday evening, where officials recognized people making a difference in the city, and gave updates about its projects and developments.

In addition to Roy and Helmbreck, who were honored as 2020 and 2021 volunteer of the year, respectively, Butler Downtown recognized The Witchn' Kitchen as 2020 small business of the year and Downtown Bagel House as 2021 small business of the year. It also recognized the Butler County Chamber of Commerce with the 2020 economic impact award, and NexTier Bank with the 2021 economic impact award.

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