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Ludlow Rotary Club Honors Local Leaders for Community Service and Club Members with Paul Harris Awards
LUDLOW, Vt. — The Ludlow Rotary Club recently hosted a special luncheon honoring outstanding individuals whose dedication, leadership, and philanthropy have made a lasting impact on the communities of Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly, and Plymouth.
Community Service Awards
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 2026 Ludlow Rotary Community Service Awards to George Benson Jr. and Pastor Abraham Gross. Presented annually, the awards recognize individuals whose exceptional service, leadership, and generosity have made a significant difference in the lives of others and strengthened their communities.
George Benson Jr. was recognized for his lifelong commitment to Ludlow and its economic vitality. Now celebrating his 40th year leading Benson's Chevrolet, Vermont's oldest family-owned Chevrolet dealership, Benson has long supported local youth programs, educational fundraisers, community events, and numerous charitable organizations. His dealership has also provided affordable vehicles to the Ludlow Police Department and other municipal agencies while serving as a steadfast community partner.
Pastor Abraham "Abe" Gross was honored for his extraordinary volunteerism and leadership. As Pastor of his church and Assistant Chief of the Cavendish Fire Department, Gross played a vital role during the devastating July 2023 floods by helping establish emergency shelters, coordinating volunteers, and leading regional flood relief efforts. His community service also includes serving on the Green Mountain Unified School District Board, volunteering in local schools, improving the Cavendish Fletcher Memorial Library grounds, and sharing cultural traditions with area students.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Club President Brigid Sullivan also presented Paul Harris Fellow recognitions to three Ludlow Rotarians for their continued support of The Rotary Foundation.
- Mary Crowley received her first Paul Harris Fellow recognition after 27 years of dedicated Rotary service.
- Kevin Barnes was honored with his second Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
- Kim Lampert received her seventh Paul Harris Fellow Award in recognition of her exceptional and ongoing commitment to The Rotary Foundation.
Named for Rotary founder Paul Harris, the recognition honors individuals whose contributions help advance Rotary's humanitarian mission throughout the world.
Now celebrating its 100th year of service, the Ludlow Rotary Club continues its proud tradition of strengthening local communities while recognizing those who exemplify Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.
Photo 1: George Benson Jr. (left) receives the 2026 Ludlow Rotary Community Service Award from Past President Kevin Barnes.
Photo 2: Pastor Abraham Gross (left) receives the 2026 Ludlow Rotary Community Service Award from Past President Kevin Barnes.