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Laura Gingras Receives 2026 Ken Jue Award

Laura Gingras, MCH Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Relations, and President and CEO Richard Scheinblum smile while holding her 2026 Monadnock United Way Ken Jue Award outside the hospital's Parmelee Entrance.
Overview
Laura Gingras Receives 2026 Ken Jue Award

Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH) is proud to celebrate Laura Gingras, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Relations, as the recipient of the 2026 Monadnock United Way Ken Jue Award. The award recognizes her longstanding commitment to the Monadnock Region, her collaborative leadership, and her dedication to helping others.

Presented by Monadnock United Way, the Ken Jue Award honors individuals and organizations that make a meaningful difference through community involvement, collaboration, and inclusion. Established in 2021, the award celebrates the legacy of Ken Jue, a longtime United Way volunteer, two-term board chair, and community advocate.

More Than 25 Years of Community Commitment

Laura joined MCH in 2000 and has spent more than 25 years helping strengthen the hospital and the community it serves. Through her work in philanthropy and community relations, she has helped connect people, build partnerships, and secure support for local healthcare.

Her contributions also extend well beyond MCH. A longtime Monadnock United Way volunteer, Laura has supported the organization’s mission in numerous ways, including serving as co-chair of its General Campaign during the pandemic.

Since Laura joined MCH, the hospital has raised more than $47 million, a milestone highlighted by colleagues in a tribute video celebrating her contributions.

Yet those who know Laura say her greatest impact is often found in the personal connections she makes.

“She’s absolutely solidly about community and how can she support this community with the skills that she has,” one colleague shared in the video.

Others described Laura as someone who goes the extra mile, approaches challenges with enthusiasm, and makes people feel genuinely valued.

A Meaningful Recognition and a Special Surprise

Laura received the award during Monadnock United Way’s annual campaign kickoff celebration in October 2026. The recognition came as a complete surprise, with family, friends, and colleagues gathering to celebrate her.

A special tribute video featured people whose lives and work have been touched by Laura over the years. Their stories reflected her kindness, humor, commitment to others, and remarkable ability to bring people together.

One colleague described her as an encourager:

“Once she does, she commits. She’s all in and she encourages and supports in any way that she can.”

Another reflected on the lasting difference Laura has made at MCH, helping provide resources so that people throughout the region can receive excellent care close to home.

For Laura, the award holds particular meaning because she knew Ken Jue personally and admired his devotion to community service.

Speaking with the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript, Laura expressed gratitude for the recognition and for the many people who have supported and inspired her work.

“I truly love people, and it is such a gift,” she shared.

Celebrating a Legacy of Service

The Ken Jue Award recognizes the qualities Laura has demonstrated throughout her career: a commitment to community, a collaborative approach to solving challenges, and a genuine desire to make life better for others.

Her work reflects the connection between a strong community and strong local healthcare. Whether supporting hospital initiatives, helping employees and patients, or volunteering with local organizations, Laura continually looks for opportunities to bring people together.

Please join us in congratulating Laura on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for the many ways she continues to strengthen Monadnock Community Hospital and the region we call home.

Watch the 2026 Ken Jue Award tribute video from Monadnock United Way to hear colleagues, friends, and community members share what makes Laura’s contributions so meaningful.

Learn more about the Ken Jue Award and Monadnock United Way’s commitment to community collaboration.