AARP Montana Announces Winner of its most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Dawn Richard of Victor selected as recipient of 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service for her service to the Pantry Partners Food Bank.

Helena, Mont., Dec. 13, 2023 -- AARP Montana announced that Dawn Richard of Victor was selected to receive the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others. The award was formally presented to Dawn during a recent online ceremony.

Dawn Richard is the heart and soul of the Pantry Partners Food Bank. In her nomination, she was described as a dynamo whose work ethic, supervisory skills, attention to detail and her compassion make her an excellent candidate for this award. On a completely volunteer basis, Dawn has led the Pantry Partners from a small operation in a residential garage, to an outstanding organization with 30 volunteers and 400 clients. In addition to managing the daily operations of the Pantry, when SNAP and Medicaid benefits for clients were threatened, she advocated on their behalf by launching a letter writing campaign to lobby Montana Congressional Leaders to restore benefits.

The Pantry Partners began in a garage and then moved to a rundown house. Eleven years ago, the Board negotiated a deal with the local school district to build their own building. Dawn took over this small organization, as a volunteer, and grew it to what it is today. She supervises the volunteers, orders food, organizes shelves, trains new volunteers, manages fund raising and welcomes new clients to the Pantry daily.

In congratulating Dawn, Montana State President, Sandy Bailey said "this is an amazing demonstration of the volunteer spirit. Dawn has recognized the important role community plays in the quality of life for those living there. A food pantry brings together residents, neighbors, volunteers and visitors creating a tightly knit community, ultimately making things better for all who live there. It’s a pleasure to present this honor to Dawn Richard, who has given of herself to make an important difference in the lives of others.”

“Dawn is an inspiration to others. This project truly represents the principles of the Andrus Award for Community Service. On behalf of AARP Montana, we are honored to present her with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service – she embodies the legacy of Ethel Percy Andrus’ motto – ‘to serve and not to be served’,” said Montana State Director Tim Summers.

As part of the award, AARP Montana has donated $2,500 in Dawn's name to the non-profit of her choice.

Also at the event, special awards were presented to the following individuals and organizations:

Ben Wineman and Cowles Montana Media - AARP Montana Excellence in Public Service Communications Award

City of East Helena, Amy Thorngren, City Clerk - 2023 AARP Montana Outstanding Community Partner Organization

Ability Montana – 2023 Outstanding Advocacy Community Partner

Debbie Lane, Helena – 2023 AARP Montana Community Engagement Award

Cathy Kaiser, Helena – 2023 AARP Montana Community Engagement Award

Mary Campbell and Pam Fuqua, Yaak Valley – AARP Montana Disrupt Aging Award

Jim Bynum, Livingston – 2023 Outstanding AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer

Marilyn Ross, Twin Bridges - AARP Montana Community Service Award

Harry Schlitz, Billings - 2023 AARP Montana Community Service Award

Elinor Miller, East Helena – 2023 AARP Montana Community Service Award

Gary Grimm, Florence – 2023 Outstanding Driver Safety Volunteer

Ted Nyquist, Missoula – AARP Montana Empty Bowl Award

Julie Videon, Bozeman – AARP Montana Empty Bowl Award

Clara “Peddy” Santopietro, Helena - 2023 AARP Montana Veterans Engagement Award

Sharon Anderson, Dillon – 2023 Montana Retired Educator (MREA) Volunteer of the Year

Karen Richardson, Somers – 2023 AARP Montana Lifetime Achievement Award

Sandy Jankowski, Helena – 2023 AARP Montana Lifetime Achievement Award

Barb and Mike Gumbart, Kalispell – Finalist, AARP Montana Andrus Award for Community Service

Sharon Balison, Missoula - Finalist, AARP Montana Andrus Award for Community Service

Sherrilyn and Kendall Hamilton, Roundup - Finalist, AARP Montana Andrus Award for Community Service