Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center (HCOC) will honor “Crazy Aaron” — Aaron Muderick, whose eponymous toy company in Norristown is nationally renowned for its putty — with its 2024 Best Friend Award.

The Best Friend Award annually recognizes an individual for his or her service, commitment, and dedication to the Thorndale-based nonprofit and its mission.

“Handi-Crafters is very proud to make this special recognition each year,” said April Ennis-Pierson, HCOC’s Executive Director. “Our Best Friend Award is very special and gives us the opportunity to highlight incredible partnerships that truly go above and beyond supporting our mission! We couldn’t present this award to a greater champion than Aaron Muderick and Crazy Aaron’s.”

Muderick is the visionary behind the Thinking Putty brand. Thinking Putty is a nontoxic silicone putty that molds, sculpts, stretches, pops, and tears for hours of fun for kids and adults alike.

Crazy Aaron’s not only contracts packaging services from Handi-Crafters but also employs more than 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in vocational work centers across the region.

“We have been lucky enough to build our business around individuals with special needs,” said Muderick.

When Muderick was growing his business in 2002, he recalled days working with individuals with disabilities.

“I noticed that they were the happiest employees at the company,” he said. “They came in to work every day with a smile and a bounce in their step. I wanted to be in a situation where I could build personal relationships with people who would be committed to a common cause.”

To date, Handi-Crafters has packaged millions of tins of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, which can be found on retail shelves all over the world.

“Crazy Aaron is a tremendous customer and an advocate for our mission,” said Denny Howell, President of HCOC. “He put his trust into our program in 2012, and we have been beyond grateful to be part of his team ever since. Muderick is also a champion behind the scenes and has advocated for vocational work centers and supported employment models. Aaron has also shared his story on many media platforms. Handi-Crafters has been featured alongside Muderick in industry publications and on national news highlighting the Crazy Aaron’s company.”

Muderick will receive the 2024 Best Friend Award on Thursday, May 2 at HCOC’s annual spring fundraiser, presented by Bentley Systems. Handi-Crafters will also present Krapf Coaches with its inaugural Community Partner Award, which recognizes an organization that joins HCOC in bridging community opportunities and expanding horizons for those utilizing its services.

Sponsors are still being sought for the spring fundraiser. Learn more at Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center.