Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon Celebrates 26th Year
On May 14, 2025, at Colby-Sawyer College Wheeler Hall, the beloved Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon celebrated its 26th anniversary of honoring extraordinary local women and raising funds for Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice (LSRVNA).
Traditions were celebrated at this sold-out event, filled with fun and inspiration, as the adorable New London Elementary School third graders again welcomed guests with songs directed by Nicole Densmore. "The crazy cash raffle was back, and we could barely keep up with ticket sales," shared Cathy Raymond, Development Officer at LSRVNA.
Guest speaker Kate Hanley, author of Breakfast Memories: A Dementia Love Story, shared moving and deeply personal remarks about her parents’ love story and memories that even dementia could not erase.
Emma Reed from Sunapee Middle High School received this year’s High School Student Who Makes A Difference Award. Emma is a remarkable young woman with impressive achievements in sports as a three-sport varsity athlete (volleyball, basketball, softball), in academics as a member of the National Honor Society and a NH Scholar, and through her community service projects that benefit several charitable causes. "We are proud and hopeful knowing that young people like Emma are among us," said Raymond.
The much-anticipated Woman Who Makes A Difference Award was presented to Ann Davis of Wilmot. Ann’s volunteer service is remarkable. Her focus is on serving four very special local organizations: Wilmot Community Association (board member for 12 years; 500 hours of volunteerism annually); North Wilmot Union Meeting House Society (board member for eight years; 200 hours of volunteerism annually); Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust (inaugural member and conservation easement donor); NH Timberland Owners Association (board member for eight years).
Ann’s passion for conserving the natural beauty of our region is a driving force in much of what she does. She just keeps giving and doing. Her contributions to local organizations and projects are too numerous to mention. In the words of her husband, Marc, “Ann embraces the trifecta of volunteerism – her time, talent and treasure. She truly is a creative and collaborative leader.” Raymond shared, "We are proud to congratulate Ann on this well-deserved honor."
LSRVNA also recognizes the leadership of this year’s STAR sponsors, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and Ellie Snyder, and ANGEL sponsors, Francoise Crowell, Mary & Greg Gutgsell, Ledyard Bank and Gail Matthews. “Every supporter has such an impact on this joyful occasion and helps sustain Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice as an enduring presence,” said Raymond.