Habitat for Humanity honors founding members, names annual volunteer recognition “The Ray and Shirley Limoges Volunteer of the Year Award”

Local non-profit celebrates the service of retired founding members who have served Habitat for over 20 years.

Roaring Fork Valley, CO, June 24, 2008 – Ray and Shirley Limoges have helped countless families in their 20 plus years of affiliation with Habitat for Humanity. They began their tenure with Habitat in 1988 in upstate New York, where the couple lived for many years. Moving to Glenwood Springs in 2000, the Limoges knew they would continue their service with Habitat for Humanity. In fact, the newly formed Roaring Fork Valley Habitat affiliate played a role in the couple relocating to the area.

According to Ray Limoges, “We were in Glenwood Springs on vacation in January of 2000 and saw an article in the local paper about a new Habitat affiliate being formed. We met with the President and we thought we could help since we had experience starting a new Habitat affiliate in Livonia, NY. That newspaper article and meeting with the President was an influence in our moving here. We felt compelled to get involved with Habitat because we had been blessed in our lives and it would be a great way to give something back to the community.”

It’s this loyal dedication and service that prompted the Habitat Board of Directors to recently name their annual volunteer accolade the Ray and Shirley Limoges Volunteer of the Year Award. Scott Gilbert, Board President, remarks, “This enduring acknowledgment is to recognize Ray and Shirley Limoges’ dedication to Habitat in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2000 and prior to that in upstate New York. Ray has served as both President and Vice President of the Habitat board and has been a very active builder on all of our projects. His name is synonymous with Habitat and he is often referred to as the heart and soul of the affiliate. Also an integral part of our affiliate, Shirley was very active in the family selection and support areas and is known for her thoughtful and delicious lunches for the work crews.”

The non-profit recognizes one volunteer each year for their outstanding service and selfless dedication to others. Previous volunteers who have received the award include Larry Eggers and Jon Lindenberg, who each volunteer hundreds of hours per year and Jane Moore, who was instrumental in the opening of Habitat’s ReStore selling donated furniture, appliances and building materials.