The 2026 Greater Monadnock Collaborative Annual Gala presented by Savings Bank of Walpole brings together businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders from across the Monadnock Region for an evening of connection, recognition, and celebration.
This year’s theme, Grounded & Growing, reflects the heart of our work at the GMC. We are grounded in strong local relationships and a shared commitment to this region. From that foundation, we continue to grow our impact through collaboration, leadership development, regional promotion, and events that bring people together. We’re excited to share how that impact is taking shape and to celebrate the momentum we’re building together across the Monadnock Region.
The Gala is an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and celebrate what that work makes possible. The evening will include recognition of excellence through our Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Magnify Monadnock awards, honoring the people and organizations helping shape the region’s future.
Guests will enjoy great food, cocktails, and time to connect with colleagues and partners from across the region.
Whether you’ve been part of this work for years or are newly connected to the GMC, the Annual Gala is a chance to celebrate what keeps our region strong and support what helps it continue to grow.
presented by
Wednesday, March 18th
5:30 – 9:00 PM
Zorn Dining Commons at KSC
$100 Member / $125 Non-Member
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the 2026 Greater Monadnock Collaborative Annual Gala is more than supporting a single evening. It’s a way to stand alongside the businesses and organizations helping shape the future of the Monadnock Region.
Our sponsors are regional champions. They invest in the relationships, leadership, events, and regional promotion that keep this community grounded and help it continue to grow. Sponsorship provides sustained visibility throughout the year across GMC events, digital platforms, and communications, while directly supporting the work that strengthens our regional economy and community.
With tickets now on sale and sponsorships moving quickly, now is the time to secure your place as part of this year’s Gala and our full slate of 2026 Signature Events.
GMC sponsorships are being coordinated by Pam Wilder of Silver Direct, who is managing sponsorship outreach and support for the 2026 Gala and Signature Events. If you’re interested in learning more or would like help selecting the right opportunity, Pam can be reached at 603-903-4228 or pam@silverdirectinc.com.
Annual Awards
Ken Jue Non-Profit of the Year
Last Year’s Winner: Monadnock Humane Society
Awarded annually to a nonprofit organization in good standing with the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, this award honors the legacy of Kenneth Jue (1945–2022).
Ken served as CEO of Monadnock Family Services for 33 years and was widely respected for advancing mental health services locally and beyond. He developed the InShape program, an evidence-based health and wellness model that has been adopted internationally to support individuals living with serious mental illness.
Ken was known for his optimism, compassion, and ability to build partnerships across organizations. He connected people, strengthened missions, and consistently brought nonprofits together in ways that elevated the entire community.
This award recognizes a nonprofit that reflects Ken’s spirit of collaboration, leadership, and commitment to improving the Monadnock Region.
The first Ken Jue Non-Profit of the Year Award was presented to The Colonial Theatre in 2023.
Windsor Brooks Business of the Year
Last Year’s Winner: SERVPRO of Cheshire County
Awarded annually to a regional business in good standing with the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, this award honors the legacy of Windsor Brooks (1915–2002).
A longtime Keene business leader, Windsor entered the family business, Goodnow’s Department Store on Main Street, after returning from service in World War II. He was known for his forward-thinking approach and belief that businesses thrive through collaboration. In the early 1980s, when the Colony Mill Marketplace opened, he welcomed it as an expansion of downtown rather than a threat, championing the idea that businesses working together strengthen the entire community.
Windsor was deeply committed to civic engagement. He helped found Red Feather, now Monadnock United Way, and was instrumental in the early formation of what is today’s Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce. His leadership extended to numerous nonprofits, including Monadnock Family Services and Cheshire Medical Center.
The first Windsor Brooks Business of the Year Award was presented in 2002 to Granite Bank.
Citizen of the Year
Last Year’s Winner: Robert Englund
Awarded annually to an individual whose leadership, service, and sustained commitment have strengthened the Monadnock Region.
Prior to the formation of the Greater Monadnock Collaborative, the Keene Chamber recognized exceptional individuals through its Community Service Award, while the Peterborough Chamber presented a Citizen of the Year honor. Today, this regional award carries forward that shared tradition of recognizing those who give of their time, talent, and leadership for the benefit of the broader community.
Notably, Windsor Brooks—whose name now defines the Business of the Year Award—was himself a recipient of the former Community Service Award, reflecting the deep civic legacy that continues through this recognition.
The Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose impact extends beyond their profession and whose contributions help shape the strength and character of the Monadnock Region.
Magnify Monadnock Award
Last Year's Winners: Keene Elm City Rotary Club & The Keene Swampbats
Introduced in 2025, the Magnify Monadnock Award recognizes an organization that elevates the Monadnock Region by introducing it to new audiences while strengthening our community as an exceptional place to live and work.
At its core, Magnify Monadnock is about welcoming people into our region, sharing what makes it distinctive, and fostering a sense of belonging that encourages individuals and families to stay, return, and put down roots. The award honors organizations led by people who prioritize local impact while amplifying the region’s visibility beyond its borders.
The inaugural recipients in 2025 were the Keene Elm City Rotary Club and the Keene SwampBats, recognized for their role in connecting community pride with regional reach.