Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award

Program Type: Recognition award for outstanding community volunteers

Geographic Scope: Greater Franklin County, Livermore, and Livermore Falls, Maine

Award Purpose: Recognize individuals, couples, businesses, or organizations that go above and beyond to significantly impact Greater Franklin County through volunteer efforts

Eligibility Requirements:
Nominees must:

• Strive to improve lives of Greater Franklin County residents
• Serve or reside in Franklin County, Livermore, or Livermore Falls
• Consistently go above and beyond to make a difference in the community
• Have volunteer efforts outside of their work environment
• Stand out through their signature community service efforts

Award Focus Areas (aligned with United Way mission):

• Improving Health and Wellness: Reduce food insecurity, improve access to medical care
• Empowering Community Mobility: Ride share programs, homebound delivery services
• Helping Children and Families with Housing Insecurity: House weatherization, housing updates
• Increasing Self-Sufficiency and Independence: Promote literacy, financial literacy, financial security

Selection Timeline:

• Application Deadline: October 31 annually
• Winners announced at December annual meeting

About Gary A. LaGrange:
Gary LaGrange (1938-2013) was a lifelong community servant and volunteer whose passion was helping people with energy conservation. He worked with Maine Community Action agencies in building and repairing homes, facilitating fuel assistance programs, conducting energy audits, and teaching home buyer education. In retirement, he volunteered full-time with United Way's Community Energy Challenge building interior storm panels and providing energy education. He also volunteered with Operation Santa Claus, Sandy River Players, Wilson Grange, and East Parish Housing Ministry.

Past Recipients:

• Carroll Corbin (2023)
• Judy Frost (2018)
• Jodie Gunther
• Crystal Cook, United Methodist Economic Ministry
• Rev. Susan Crane, Ecumenical Heating Fund
• Peter Judkins, Franklin Savings Bank
• Barclays Employees
• Trish and Gordie Flint, Tri-County Mental Health Services
• Flo and John Caldwell, Stratton/Eustis Food Pantry
• Verso Androscoggin Mill employees
• Brent and Bertha Smith
• Board of Western Maine Homeless Outreach
• Dennis O'Neill
• Shannon Smith, Wilton Blueberry Festival
• Katie Hallman, RSU 9
• Erica Emery, Rustic Roots Farm

Application Process

1. Complete the nomination form
2. Provide nominee name and contact information
3. Describe how nominee demonstrates commitment and passion for community
4. Explain how nominee's activities align with United Way's mission and goals:
   • Improving health
   • Responding to emergencies and meeting basic human needs
   • Strengthening children and families
   • Increasing independence and financial security
5. Describe nominee's impact on community with 1-2 specific examples of difference made in Greater Franklin County over time
6. Include any additional information such as:
   • Civic organizations nominee belongs to
   • Awards received
   • Workplace involvement with community
7. Submit form

Deadline: October 31 annually

Decision Timeline: Winners announced at December annual meeting

Paper Copy Available: Download option provided on website