BY LUCIE KRISMAN
The Eudora Chamber of Commerce recognized Lauri Kuntz of the Eudora Schools Foundation and Westerhouse Heating and Cooling as this year’s Person of the Year and Business of the Year for their service to the community.
Both were announced Thursday and were recognized in a presentation Monday at the Chamber’s social at Barbwire Barbecue.
As a volunteer, Kuntz played a key role in organizing free meals for the Eudora community through Feeding Eudora this past year. In July and August, Feeding Eudora served an average of 224 meals per day and a total of 7,150 meals. Through grants, Kuntz assisted in expanding Feeding Eudora’s services to Monday through Friday.
“We knew the need was going to be great this past summer with the pandemic and the need for additional healthy food options,” Kuntz said. “Not only for our kids but for our families as well.”
Upon receiving Person of the Year for her work to provide for the community, Kuntz called it both a surprise and an honor.
“I give all the credit to all the people who helped me throughout the year,” Kuntz said. “It’s all done as a team, and there are so many people that help me out with everything that we do in the community.”
Westerhouse Heating and Cooling, originally Eudora Heating and Cooling, was founded by Mike Westerhouse in 1973. After Mike’s passing last year, the Westerhouse family took over his roles in the family business.
Manager Aaron Westerhouse said he appreciates the support Westerhouse Heating and Cooling has received from the community in the past 40 years.
He is thankful for the recognition from the Chamber, as well as the support of the Eudora businesses that have used Westerhouse Heating and Cooling’s services.
“We’ve been in Eudora for a long time,” Westerhouse said. “I think we’ve gained a lot of business in Eudora, just knowing that people trust what we do and like to shop local.”
Reach reporter Lucie Krisman at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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