Make a Difference Awards

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Do you know a person or an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community and making Ridgefield a better place to live?

These are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards. The Make a Difference Awards are a way for us to say 'Thank You'.

Nominations for the 2027 Make a Difference Awards will open on Monday, November 16.




Do you know a person or an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community and making Ridgefield a better place to live?

These are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards. The Make a Difference Awards are a way for us to say 'Thank You'.

Nominations for the 2027 Make a Difference Awards will open on Monday, November 16.




  • 2026 Award Recipients

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    Congratulations to the 2026 Make A Difference Award Winners!

    Kathy Winters was recognized as our Individual Award Winner for her participation in multiple non-profits, reading with children, painting and more. In 2025 she was instrumental in bringing the Ridgefield Art Gallery into reality. Her positive impact on community spaces is not new as her fundraising efforts to build the new Ridgefield Community Library were paramount.

    Neighbors Helping Neighbors was recognized as this year's Organization Award Winner. They provide food and other essentials to hundreds of people monthly from the 98642 zip code, and manage the Giving Tree each holiday season to provide holiday gifts for families in need.

    Kathy Winters 2026 Individual Winner Group Photo with CouncilNeighbors Helping Neighbors 2026 Organization Winner Group Photo with Council

    Congratulations to the 2026 Make A Difference Award Winners!

    Kathy Winters was recognized as our Individual Award Winner for her participation in multiple non-profits, reading with children, painting and more. In 2025 she was instrumental in bringing the Ridgefield Art Gallery into reality. Her positive impact on community spaces is not new as her fundraising efforts to build the new Ridgefield Community Library were paramount.

    Neighbors Helping Neighbors was recognized as this year's Organization Award Winner. They provide food and other essentials to hundreds of people monthly from the 98642 zip code, and manage the Giving Tree each holiday season to provide holiday gifts for families in need.

    Kathy Winters 2026 Individual Winner Group Photo with CouncilNeighbors Helping Neighbors 2026 Organization Winner Group Photo with Council

  • 2025 Award Recipients

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    Congratulations to the 2025 Make a Difference Award winners, Bill Baumann and Compassion 360.
    We announced the winners of the third annual Make a Difference Award at the 2025 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.

    Congratulations to the 2025 Make a Difference Award winners, Bill Baumann and Compassion 360.
    We announced the winners of the third annual Make a Difference Award at the 2025 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.

  • 2024 Award Recipients

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    Congratulations to the 2024 Make a Difference Award winners, Megan Dudley and Ridgefield Family Resource Center.
    We announced the winners of the second annual Make a Difference Award at the 2024 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.


    Congratulations to the 2024 Make a Difference Award winners, Megan Dudley and Ridgefield Family Resource Center.
    We announced the winners of the second annual Make a Difference Award at the 2024 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.


  • 2023 Award Recipients

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    Congratulations to the 2023 Make a Difference Award winners, Wendy Lehner and Ridgefield Lions Club!
    We announced the winners of the first annual Make a Difference Award at the 2023 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.


    Congratulations to the 2023 Make a Difference Award winners, Wendy Lehner and Ridgefield Lions Club!
    We announced the winners of the first annual Make a Difference Award at the 2023 State of the City presentation.

    The Make a Difference Award highlights an individual and an organization that deserves recognition for their contributions and commitment to helping others in need, improving our neighborhoods, creating community, and making Ridgefield a better place to live. They are the unsung heroes whose volunteer efforts and giving spirit don’t usually get recognition or awards and this is the way for us to say 'Thank You'.


Page last updated: 03 Nov 2026, 04:02 PM