At each Annual Meeting and Dinner, Champlain Housing Trust recognizes individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions that inspire us and support our mission. This year’s honorees are Tonda Cardaropoli, Jeanne Kennedy, Parents of the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative, and Kathy Tyrrel Luce. We hope you’ll check out more photos and staff anniversaries we celebrated during this fun night!
The Brenda Torpy Founders Award for Exemplary Contributions to Perpetually Affordable Housing went to Kathy Tyrrel Luce.Kathy has served on the Champlain Housing Trust Board of Directors as a General Member since January 2014, on top of serving two terms as a General Member of the Burlington Community Land Trust Board of Directors prior to the merger that created Champlain Housing Trust, making her the longest serving CHT Board Member ever. Kathy is a champion of affordable housing and has been enthusiastic and thoughtful in everything she does. We have deep appreciation to Kathy for her dedication to this Board, this organization, and our community.
CHT also recognized:
- Jeanne Kennedy with the Hilton Wick “Give Until it Feels Good” Fundraising Award for her steadfast support on the Cornerstone Luncheon including recruiting numerous table captains to volunteer at CHT’s largest annual fundraising event;
- Tonda Cardaropoli, of Williston, with the Joan Beauchemin Civic Engagement Award given to a CHT resident. Tonda was recognized for her outstanding efforts building community at Zephyr Place; for being a kind neighbor who lends a listening ear, organizes potlucks, and is always there for others; and
- Parents of the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative (DDHI) with the Carole Pack Volunteer Award for their engagement and advocacy representing those who don’t have time to advocate.
This is a parent-led group of over 125 families in Vermont who are parents caring for their adult children, many of whom have significant support needs because of their intellectual and/or disability diagnosis, working to create affordable housing options that address the need to provide permanent service-supported housing. CHT honored five parents who worked on the planning grant for the redevelopment of a building dedicated to this work in Burlington’s South End: Katie Tormey, Marla McQuiston, Jenn Townley, and Collins Twing
