Larry Gebert posthumously recognized for volunteer efforts

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 16, 2022
Media Contact: Renee Bade, renee.bade@labor.idaho.gov

Photo of Larry Gebert holding sign.

Larry Gebert

Former KTVB anchor Larry Gebert was posthumously awarded the 2022 Governor Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year award during the Idaho Philanthropy Day ceremony. Gebert was recognized for his commitment to volunteerism, philanthropy and support of nonprofits during his 30-year career. His wife, Julie Gebert, was presented with the award in his memory.

“There will never be anyone like Larry in the local nonprofit sphere, and he will be missed greatly for years to come,” wrote Grant Jones, CEO of Meals on Wheels and one of many that nominated Gebert for this prestigious award. “The nonprofit community is forever grateful to Larry for the exceptional service to his community.”

The annual Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual that exemplifies what it means to serve others and for whom, like Gov. Andrus believed, service is part of their identity. Gebert was selected from a pool of more than 130 nominations across the state.

During his career with KTVB, Gebert spent his time raising funds for more than 85 organizations. Make-A-Wish Idaho was particularly close to his heart, and thanks to his dedication, the Great Polar Bear Challenge grew from 25 participants to more than 7,000 in the past 19 years. This resulted in granting over 120 lifesaving wishes.

Hosted by the Idaho Nonprofit Center (INC) and Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, the annual Idaho Philanthropy Day awards ceremony recognizes outstanding volunteers and philanthropists. In 2020, Serve Idaho combined efforts with the INC, replacing the previous Idaho’s Brightest Stars event. This is the fifth year the Governor Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award was presented.

A full list of those recognized can be found at https://www.idahononprofits.org/idaho-philanthropy-day.html.

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In 2021, AmeriCorps committed more than $5.2 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $1.2 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.

Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho’s AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor.

More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is at serveidaho.gov.

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Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded by local support.