Potsdam Chamber names Tom and Bonnie Wiggins as Commitment to Community Award winners
Friday, October 09, 2009, 5:15pm
POTSDAM – The Chamber of Commerce 2009 Commitment to the Community Award will go to Tom and Bonnie Wiggins of Potsdam.
The award reflects efforts of individuals, or organizations that enhance the quality of life, provide service to fellow citizens or improve the business environment in Potsdam.
Coming to Potsdam 20 years ago, the Wigginses immediately became involved in the community, and countless numbers of children have been assisted by their efforts through the Potsdam Holiday Fund.
The chamber notes that the fund has grown to its current size and scope because of the many hours spent by the Wigginses recruiting volunteers, raising funds, wrapping presents, playing elf, organizing clothing and food baskets and much more. Tom has served as president of the Holiday Fund and Bonnie as treasurer. Bonnie managed the multitude of applications that came in each year and together they coordinated the giving tags, volunteer assignments, and the many tasks that are required to make the Potsdam Holiday Fund successful. The program has grown to serve 240 families and distributes nearly $45,000 in gifts and food to needy families and children each year.
For health reasons, they stepped down from their posts last spring.
Through their leadership, the Potsdam Kiwanis Club has built a playground at Pine Street Arena, annually raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, and maintains Cubley Park.
The pair also have worked to develop and maintain Coats for Kids and a reading program for local Head Start children. They also work each year to send deserving children to Boy Scout Camp, Kamp Kiwanis, and 4H Camp.
The Wigginses also have spent many hours fixing the facility that houses Helping Hands of Potsdam, an organization that serves the working poor.
As members of the Potsdam United Methodist Church, they have participated in the “Cheerios” program that visits shut-in community members, have been members of the choir, and have assisted with fundraising for the many programs that the church offers to the community.
Their award will be presented at the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner at SUNY Potsdam’s Thatcher Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The price is $20. Social hour begins at 5:30 with a variety of appetizers and a cash bar.
The buffet dinner will have an assortment of tempting entrees and side dishes, and equally tempting desserts.
The make reservations or to learn more, call the Chamber at 274-9000 or email Potsdam@slic.com.
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