Robert J. Dunfey Sr.
1987 Spurwink’s Humanitarian Honoree (First)
February 9, 1928 – August 23, 2016
Robert J. ‘Bob’ Dunfey, Sr. was a bridge builder, connector, and supporter of worthy causes. A look behind the scenes in his many meetings, conversations, and telephone calls would reveal Bob’s signature contributions. He was a trustee of the University of Maine System; a director of the American Ireland Funds; founder and honorary director of the Susan L. Curtis Foundation, which operates a 50-acre summer camp for Maine’s underprivileged children. He was a founding director of the Maine Community Foundation. Bob served on the Spurwink Board of Trustees for 14 years and was honored as the inaugural Humanitarian of the Year in 1987. You can read his full obituary, Bob Dunfey, an unsung American hero of Northern Ireland’s journey to reconciliation, online.
Alton E. “Chuck” Cianchette
Spurwink’s 1993 Humanitarian Honoree
Shepard “Shep” Lee
Spurwink’s 1997 Humanitarian Honoree
November 13, 1926 – June 23, 2010
Shepard “Shep” Lee was a car dealer, philanthropist, and civic leader. He joined his father’s car dealership, Advance Auto Sales, and grew the dealership into a network of nine locations known as the Lee Auto Malls. Shep believed that through political involvement, he could help make his community, state and country a more just and equal society. Shep was a close friend, fundraiser and advisor to Sen. George Mitchell, the late Edmund Muskie and the late Justice Frank M. Coffin. He was a member of the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union and a recipient of ACLU’s highest award, the Roger Baldwin Award. For many years. He was also an active member of the NAACP in Maine. For all of his philanthropic efforts, he was awarded Spurwink’s Humanitarian of the year award in 1997.
Spurwink’s 2022 Humanitarian Honoree
Margo Walsh, the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year, founded MaineWorks to provide second chances through dignified employment for people in recovery, reentering from jail, and veterans. MaineWorks and the Maine Recovery Fund support workforce reentry with jobs and essential resources. Margo’s dedication has transformed employment opportunities and fostered economic and social development.
