NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 26, 2023
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Larry Vila of Montpelier was honored for his volunteer service as part of the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Vila with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exemplary volunteer service. He has volunteered with the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation for more than eight years helping them with their mission, “to strengthen community health by developing, improving and expanding the facilities, services and initiatives of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.”

“Larry has helped many people in so many ways it’s hard to name just one thing. He provided more than 2,000 hours of service last year alone. We have an elderly group of volunteers at our thrift store and Larry goes out of his way to ensure each one is taken care of. His service and kindness have lifted the spirits of many individuals throughout our community over the years,” said Shane Johnson, director of the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation.

As a veteran and retired police officer, Vila often uses his talents and resources to help others at the thrift store. In addition to volunteering with the foundation, he volunteers with the Bear Lake Memorial Auxiliary.

Serve Idaho Commissioner Farhana Hibbert and Gov. Little presented Vila with the award.

“The Montpelier community and the entire state of Idaho is thankful for the extensive volunteer service Mr. Vila has provided in support of his community. Volunteers like Mr. Vila are imperative to ensuring small communities can thrive and grow,” said Gov. Little.

Idaho’s Brightest Star Award recognizes outstanding volunteers from across the state. It is a partnership between Gov. Little’s office, Serve Idaho and the Idaho Nonprofit Center.

In 2021, Idahoan’s contributed more than 38 million hours of service through organizations, with an estimated value of $990.9 million in support of the over 9,000 nonprofit organizations across the state. To learn more about how you can give back in your community as a volunteer visit serve.idaho.gov.

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In 2022, AmeriCorps committed more than $5.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $1.5 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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