It’s comforting to see how communities have come together to sustain core programs for more than 25,000 people and fulfill Easter Seals’ mission: to guarantee that all people with disabilities or special needs, and their families, have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play. Not only am I excited to be a part of this important work, I am even more honored to accept the David P. Goodwin Lifetime Commitment Award on behalf of Northeast Delta Dental at Easter Seals 2020 NH, ME & VT Annual Celebration.
“This award was created to recognize someone like David who knew the importance of community and serving those less fortunate. This year’s recipient, Tom Raffio, epitomizes these characteristics.” said Maureen Beauregard, President & Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals NH, VT, ME. Ellie Cochran, the former Director of Philanthropy at NH Charitable Foundation and daughter of David P. Goodwin added that- “My father would have been so pleased that Tom was named the 2020 David P Goodwin honoree. He always thought highly of Tom’s extensive community involvement.”
This award means so much to me because I have immense respect for Easter Seals New Hampshire and I find its mission so important and compelling. Northeast Delta Dental is one of its champions and so am I. I’m humbled and honored by being singled out for this recognition because David P. Goodwin invested himself so robustly in a variety of community nonprofits in New Hampshire, some of them over a span of many decades.
I couldn’t have accomplished this without the help of my family, my brilliant Northeast Delta Dental colleagues, and very supportive board members who allow me to get out in the community.
“As we look to the future at Easter Seals NH, ME & VT, we remain committed to making a profound, positive difference in people’s lives. We are grateful to our donors and supporters who believe in and support the life-changing work we do and the superheroes who do it,” expressed Beauregard.
The event also featured a number of other bright moments, from highlighting initiatives and programming at Easter Seals to honoring an Easter Seals client with the Nicole & Madeline Achievement Award. I invite you to watch my brief address to the virtual celebration here.
