Annette P. Schmitt Award Named

Granite United Way, in partnership with the Annette P. Schmitt Foundation is pleased to announce that Verna Jo Carignan-Sabbow is the recipient of the 2015 Annette P. Schmitt Unsung Hero Award. Verna Jo has volunteered as the head of the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul for 25 years.  Verna Jo received an award, along with her name be added to the plaque which hangs in the offices of Granite United Way. 

Additionally, the Annette P. Schmitt Foundation will make a donation of $1,000 to a charity of Verna Jo’s choice.  

Judge Bud Martin, trustee of the foundation, said Annette Schmitt was a lovely lady who lived in the Hanover and Lebanon area.  At her death she awarded a large portion of her estate to improving the lives of children and families in the Lakes Region and in New Hampshire.  For the past thirteen years this Unsung Hero Award has been given in honor of the memory of this generous woman, Annette Schmitt.

Recipients of this award are those who work quietly behind the scenes to bring meaningful and positive change in the lives of children, youth, and families in Belknap County, never expecting to be thanked or recognized for their efforts.   Recipients are nominated each year for this award by their friends, co-workers, and families.  A Selection Committee then reviews all the nominations that have been submitted and identifies the winner.  

Verna Jo is known to many of you in this community.  Those who nominated her describe her as:
Vibrant, organized, loving, nurturing, inspirational and generous. 
Fair and non-judgmental in providing families and children with the support they need.
Incredibly dedicated to the organization typically volunteering 30 to 40 hours a week. 
She is fondly referred to as “Mrs. St. Vincent dePaul”
She is known to bend over backwards to help obtain the food necessary for families in need, even opening the pantry on off days if necessary.
She does what she does, only for the joy in her heart.
It is an honor to work with her.
Every week she makes a huge difference in the lives of many families & children in Belknap County.

At the reception Bud said, “Verna Jo, we honor you, we respect you, and we thank you for the multitude of kindnesses that you have so willingly shown others for so many years”.

St. Vincent de Paul, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary in May 2016. Four current volunteers, Verna Jo, Erika Johnson, Jeanette Buckley, and John Peavey will be recognized for their 25 years of volunteer service.