The following story is based on a press release.
The Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, together with the family of longtime Wilton resident and town leader Judy Zucker, announced the creation of the Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Fund.
Kiwanis officials said that the mission behind the fund is to recognize and reward individuals in Wilton who best exemplify the qualities that Zucker demonstrated: “exceptional public service; an inspiring devotion to the public good; and selfless commitment to excellence, kindness, inclusiveness, generosity, humility and grace.”
A $5,000 cash award will be given each year. The Fund will be governed by a committee of Wilton Kiwanis Club and Zucker family members, and administered under the Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, a 501(c)(3) entity.
Zucker, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 93, served two terms on Wilton’s Board of Education (1973–79), six terms on the Board of Selectmen (1987–99) and two decades on the Commission on Social Services, in addition to numerous other community roles. As the capstone of her public service in Wilton, Zucker chaired the committee overseeing the renovation of Comstock Community Center in 2016. In 2024, the community room in the Comstock Senior Center was dedicated in Zucker’s memory.
Nominations for the inaugural award are now being accepted. The nomination application and guidelines have been posted online. Nominations must be received by March 1.
Donations to the fund are welcome at any time. Donors may send a check payable to Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, with “Judy Zucker Fund” in the memo line (Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 204, Wilton, CT 06897). Additional information is available on the Kiwanis’ website.