Brown Bag Ministries co-founder Mary Jo Bukowski never expected to receive an award for her plight to feed the homeless.

Of course, now that she has won recognition she definitely plans on putting it to good use.

Bukowski was named Citizen of the Year during the Apex Chamber of Commerce Award Ceremony on Sept. 29 at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary.

More than 160 people attended the annual event that included music, food, and an entertaining auction hosted by Apex resident J.C. Knowles.

Bukowski and her good friend, Patricia Hartley, founded Brown Bag Ministries in 2004.

They began by making 50 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in Hartley’s kitchen. Now the ministry provides 1,450 meals per week and is based in St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex. In presenting the award to his friend, Brian Hamilton praised the Chicago native for her leadership and spirit.

“What I’ve seen is that she infuses people with energy and vitality,” said Hamilton.

Although Bukowski’s family was impoverished there was always a focus on helping others.

“She learned from her dad to give what you have and share,” said Hamilton.

Some of the comments listed on Bukowski’s nomination, said Hamilton, included, “She helps create miracles every day, truly living her faith.”

Bukowski seemed truly surprised by the award but still took it all in stride.

“Wow, I couldn’t understand why I was forced to come to (the banquet),” said Bukowski.

Bukowski said she is currently trying to raise $2 million to build a shelter for people in need.

“And there looks like there is a lot of money in this room tonight,” she joked.

Bukowski told chamber members that they would begin to see a lot more of her in the future in connection with fundraising.

“You’ll be seeing a lot of me now that I have this,” she said while holding the award. “Trust me, I’m going to use it.”

Sam DiFranco of CresnaPartners won the Small Town Hero award for his support of the chamber’s Book Bag Bonanza event.

In the last eight years DiFranco has donated over 1,000 book bags and this past year he recruited other businesses to make donations as well.

“My heart goes out to the children of Apex,” said DiFranco. “As long as I’m in this area we’ll keep contributing to this great cause.”

Anna’s Pizzeria was named Small Business of the Year while Modern Woodmen of America earned Large Business of the Year honors.

“This is an incredible and unbelievable town,” said Anna’s owner Yuri Rojas, a New York native. “The second we got here we immediately felt at home. I love Apex more than anything.”

Other award winners included: Employer of the Year – EMC Corporation

Innovation Award – Harmony Pilates Studio

Louis C. Smith Hall of Fame – Bill Booth

Ambassador of the Year – Christine Johnson of Mary Kay Cosmetics.