Gerry Hancock Awarded 2023 Frank Lamping Community Service Award
Community State Bank (CSB) is pleased to announce that Gerry Hancock has been chosen as the 2023 Frank Lamping Community Service Award recipient. The award, inspired by Union Grove native Frank Lamping, was created to acknowledge and celebrate a community member who exemplifies positivity, selflessness, leadership, and inspires others to give back to the community. Hancock is the 5th award recipient of this annual community award.
As the award recipient, Hancock will receive $1,000 that he may direct to a local non-profit or service organization of his choice. Hancock has chosen the Union Grove Area Foodbank as the recipient.
“I am honored and humbled to even be considered for an award named in Frank’s honor and also awarded to individuals like Tom Czerniak, Jim Moyer, and Cary Madrigal,” said Hancock. “It takes the kindness of many people to make a community great. Union Grove has always embraced me. I just try to do my part and give back.”
Hancock was born and raised in Burlington, Wisconsin. He attended St. Charles Grade School and St. Mary’s High School. After graduating, he then attended the University of Wisconsin - School of Pharmacy and began his internship at Hauper Pharmacy in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Over the course of 40 years, Hancock was an intern, pharmacist, and then owner. In 2007, the pharmacy was sold to Aurora and Hancock worked there for the final 6 years of his pharmaceutical career.
In addition to Hancock’s career, he has also donated his time and talents to several community organizations including: Kiwanis Club of Union Grove (Active Member for 39 years, Charter President in 1984, and Treasurer - 26 years), St. Robert’s Bellarmine (Finance Chair - 22 years), Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce (Past Board Member), Catholic Central High School (Past Board Member) and has served on various committees for the Village of Union Grove. From 2013 until 2020, Hancock visited the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove to serve communion. On a weekly basis, Hancock also delivers meals to community members in need through the Racine Meals on Wheels program.
“Gerry Hancock has overcome adversity with a beautiful blend of positivity, realism, humbleness, willingness and resiliency,” said 2022 Award Recipient and Committee Member, Captain Cary Madrigal. “His unfaltering attitude towards life and his belief in everyone’s ability to contribute simply embodies the spirit of our beloved friend, Frank Lamping, and for that alone I believe he deserves the Frank Lamping Community Service Award.”
Community State Bank will host an award celebration on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 at their Union Grove location (1500 Main Street) to present Gerry Hancock with the 2023 Frank Lamping Community Service Award. The outdoor event will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a presentation beginning at 6:00 PM. Food and beverages will be available during the event hours. The general public is invited to attend. Hancock is requesting that all guests please bring a non-perishable food item to support the Union Grove Foodbank.
“Frank was all about our community and I believe Gerry encompasses that same mentality,” said CSB Market President and long-time friend of Lamping, Dave Moyer. “We’re very excited to keep the memory of Frank alive in the community and will continue to do so for many years to come. We hope the community will join us in celebrating the legacy of Frank Lamping and the community leadership of Gerry Hancock.”
The Community State Bank nominating committee for the 2023 Frank Lamping Community Service Award included: Captain Cary Madrigal (2022 Award Recipient), Candi Lucksted, Gordon Svendsen, Scott Gunderson, and Tom Johnsen.