02/11/2026
Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Fund
The Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Fund, established in memory of long-time resident and civic leader, Judy Zucker, celebrates and honors individuals who reflect her extraordinary legacy of public service to Wilton. Each year, the Fund will present a cash award to an individual whose actions exemplify Judy's selfless devotion to the Wilton community, her commitment to excellence, and her spirit of kindness, inclusiveness, generosity, humility, and grace.
Judy, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 93, moved in 1954 from New York City to Wilton, where she raised four children with her husband, the late Dr. Richard Zucker. Her decades of service included two terms on the Board of Education (1973-79) and six terms on the Board of Selectmen (1987-99). She chaired the Affordable Housing Oversight Committee and the Elderly Tax Relief Committee, served on the board of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, and volunteered for many years with the League of Women Voters, the Wilton PTA, the Wilton Playshop, and the Wilton Food Pantry. In 2001, she became Wilton Kiwanis Club's first woman president. She also served 20 years on the Commission on Social Services, including as chair, with her last term ending at age 90. As a capstone of her public service to Wilton, Judy—then in her mid-80s—chaired the Comstock renovation committee through the completion of the new community center in 2016.
Judy received many honors for her service, including the Wilton Kiwanis Club Hall of Honor, an Honorary Life Membership from the League of Women Voters, the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Wilton Family YMCA, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wilton Democratic Town Committee. In 2024, the community room in the Comstock Senior Center was named in her memory. First Selectman Toni Boucher said "Judy was universally loved for her kindness, generosity, bipartisanship, and her skill for getting things done. [She] inspired all who knew her throughout her long life."
Judy Zucker's Life and Accomplishments: https://goodmorningwilton.com/obituary-longtime-wilton-resident-attorney-and-civic-leader-judith-zucker-93/
The Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Fund recognizes individuals engaged in community service benefiting Wilton residents. Through annual $5,000 awards, the Fund seeks to honor individuals working in areas Judy cared deeply about, including senior services, food insecurity, affordable housing, and education. In selecting honorees, the Fund committee considers a broad set of factors, including, but not limited to, voluntary service on town commissions and boards or leadership roles in Wilton-based or neighboring community nonprofit organizations, as well as a track record of selfless dedication to the public good, innovative problem solving, and thoughtful bipartisan participation in complex civic issues, all with humility, kindness and a commitment to excellence.
If you would like to nominate yourself or another individual, Click Here to access the Application and Guidelines. Applications must be received by March 1.
The fund is managed by the Wilton Kiwanis Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization), and all donations to the Fund are tax-deductible. To give, send checks payable to Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, to P.O. Box 204, Wilton, CT 06897 (with Judy Zucker Fund in the memo line). Your support helps continue Judy's legacy of service and strengthens the Wilton community.
Questions may be directed to [email protected]