The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has named karate studio owner Christopher Rappold its Person of the Year and Plainridge Park Casino its Business of the Year.
Rappold, a sixth-degree black belt in karate and five-time world champion, is the founder of Personal Best Karate, which has studios in Norton, Foxboro, Easton, Norwood and Medifield.
Twice honored as Martial Artist of the Year, the Bridgewater State College graduate has studied martial arts since 1982 and is executive director of Team Paul Mitchell Karate working to train, recruit and promote the team throughout the United States and Europe.
Rappold has been active in the community, championing the Done With Bullying anti-bullying campaign in 30 area schools. He is also the founder of the Personal Best Charity, which spearheads scholarships for graduating seniors and the annual Turkey Brigade, which distributes 30,000 holiday dinners to needy families.
Personal Best Charity also supports New Hope, an agency that works to fight domestic and sexual violence.
Rappold has been honored with a number of awards for his charitable work.
Plainridge Park Casino was honored for its contributions to the local community and the economy, including bringing more than 500 jobs to the area with the opening of its gaming facility in 2015.
Plainridge has donated more than $200,000 to local charitable organizations, including Lenore’s Pantry, the Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society, the Plainville Athletic League, the North Attleboro Schools Backpack Drive, the Arthritis Foundation and Flutie’s Foundation.
The chamber of commerce will recognize its person and business of the year at its 100th annual meeting at Plainridge Park Casino at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7. Cost: $75; registration is required by calling 508-316-0861.
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash will be the keynote speaker.
RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.