BANGOR — More than 100 people attended the Maine Association of Nonprofits Community Catalyst Celebration in honor of Wilma Bradford of Bangor held recently at the Wells Conference Center in Orono. During the event Bradford became the first recipient of the Maddy Corson Community Catalyst Award created last year in honor of Maddy Corson as a tribute to her generous and prolific work for Maine’s nonprofit organizations. Corson attended the event and presented the award to Bradford.
The Bangor Symphony’s Juniper Quartet played throughout the evening. It was just one of many area organizations that attended the event in honor of Bradford, who has shown appreciation for and nurtures their work.
Speakers at the event included Tim Woodcock of Eaton Peabody who, as a past mayor of the Bangor, presented Bradford with this proclamation:
WHEREAS, Wilma Bradford serves as a shining example of unselfish philanthropy, leadership and service and has devoted countless hours and personal resources to the Greater Bangor community and beyond,
WHEREAS, Wilma Bradford provides a model for civic leadership with her hands-on style through her work as a generous contributor and active advocate for nonprofit organizations,
WHEREAS, Wilma Bradford continually sparks and motivates others to become involved in the diverse work of Maine’s nonprofit sector,
WHEREAS, Wilma Bradford has acted as a catalyst for positive change, working behind the scenes to make our community a better place,
WHEREAS, Wilma Bradford has opened leadership doors for women in her community,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT I do hereby honor Wilma Bradford for her many contributions to the city of Bangor and the State of Maine.
Shirar Patterson, vice president of Community Impact for the United Way of Eastern Maine, and a MANP board member, served as emcee for the program. She invited several community leaders to speak, all of whom touched upon how Bradford served as an inspiration for community involvement for a younger generation of leaders, especially women leaders. Lisa Wahlstrom touched on that point as well, as Bradford served as the first woman chair of the United Way board of directors, as well as the first woman chair of Eastern Maine Healthcare-Acadia Hospital. Clif Eames spoke from the heart, reflecting on the many community endeavors he shared with Bradford and the leadership role she played in so many efforts to better the community.
Maine Association of Nonprofits surprised Bradford with a video created by Bryant Street PR and Digital Workshop. MANP invited nonprofits throughout Bangor to speak about Bradford’s commitment to their organizations. Those tributes came from the University of Maine, Bangor Symphony, Bangor Public Library, Maine Audubon, United Way and EMHS, to name just a few.
For information, go to http://www.nonprofitmaine.org/connect/manp-community-catalyst-celebration/2014-celebration/.