The Cedars is proud to announce that the second
CANTOR KURT MESSERSCHMIDT HUMANITARIAN AWARD
was presented to WESTON L. BONNEY on Thursday, October 12, 2023
Kurt and Sonja Messerschmidt (Photo by Judy Glickman Lauder)
Weston L. Bonney
The Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt Humanitarian Award honors the life of Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt, a holocaust survivor, author, and leader of the Portland Jewish community, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 102. This award honors the Cantor as an example of resilience, compassion, respect, and leadership for the entire community. Cantor Messerschmidt, a long-time resident at The Cedars, is remembered for his legacy of resilience, compassion, and success against great odds.
Both Cantor Messerschmidt and Wes Bonney exemplify the values and actions of justice, righteousness, charity, and humanitarian service to the community. Wes Bonney’s career includes President and CEO of People’s Heritage Savings Bank. In addition, his volunteer work includes international consulting for Bulgaria, Romania, Mongolia, and Macedonia where he helped transform their banking systems and practices. His community work in Maine includes leadership roles at Bates College and the John T. Gorman Foundation. Most recently, the Wes Bonney Promise Scholars program, launched at the George Mitchell Institute in Mr. Bonney’s honor by the John T. Gorman Foundation, is a culmination of his service to the community.
On September 14, 2019, The Cedars was honored to present Judy Glickman Lauder with the first Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt Humanitarian Award. Judy Glickman Lauder, an internationally renowned photographer, humanitarian, and philanthropist, was chosen as the first recipient the award as her life and art exemplify the ideals valued by the Cantor and The Cedars.
Richard Borts, Board Chair, Judy Glickman Lauder, and Kathy Callnan, President and CEO
Left to Right: Merle and Leonard Nelson, Michael Messerschmidt, Cantor Scott Harris, Richard Borts Board Chair, Kathy Callnan President and CEO, Judy Glickman Lauder, Senator Angus King, Mary Herman, Bronte Kastenberg and Eden Glickman