The Carbon County Community Foundation announces Kara Scott of Bowmanstown is the inaugural Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award recipient.

Scott, a passionate supporter of her community for more than 30 years, has founded, participated in, and championed community and nonprofit organizations for most of her life.

She has also been active in local government, now in her fourth term as a member of the Bowmanstown Borough Council.

She is chairwoman and charter member of the Carbon County Council of Governments, a voluntary association that represents local municipalities to provide cooperative planning, coordination, and technical assistance on issues of mutual concern.

Scott founded Bowmanstown Area Residents Connected, which received the Environmental Partnership Award from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Partners.

She also founded the Bowmanstown Area Action Committee to fight for local right against a proposed trash transfer station in the borough alongside the Lehigh River.

Kara previously served as president of the Pennsylvania Community Rights Network and as a member of the National Community Rights Network.

She has volunteered for the Bowmanstown Planning Commission, Family Promise, Team Rubicon as a grey shirt, and the 1Love foundation, which supports victims in Sierra Leone.

Kara is the proud owner and operator of Gypsy’s Sweet Retreat and is certified by Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and ELI – MP (Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner). She has degrees in psychology, communication, and recreation.

Established by friends and family, the award is presented in memory of Elissa Garofalo to someone who demonstrates leadership, vision, and impact in Carbon County.

Wild Elder Wine & Cider Co. in Jim Thorpe is the initial award sponsor and has pledged to help make it permanently endowed at the Community Foundation.

“Elissa was a friend and a mentor. I first met her as a community member concerned with planning and was honored to eventually work alongside her as a peer,” said Amber Finsel, Wild Elder’s co-owner. “She was a brilliant woman who had the vision, determination, and patience necessary to bring about positive community change. If she was here today, Elissa would certainly still be working tirelessly for the benefit of our community. It was from this idea that the Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award was born.”

“To be recognized in the footprint of Elissa Garofalo is a humbling honor,” said Kara Scott about receiving the inaugural award. “I wouldn’t be in this position without the time, support, and resources shared with me by so many people with a common vision of hope and prosperity for our community. I am so grateful to be a small part of this collective effort.”

Kara will receive the award at the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Dinner on Oct. 9 at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton.