2025 Honoree: Larry GammonsCommunity Pride is pleased to announce Larry Gammons as the recipient of the 2025 Hall of Fame Award. This recognition also honors Larry's husband of 50 years, Carl Jennings, who passed in 1999.
Larry and Carl were trailblazers and in many ways instrumental for the LGBTQ+ inclusive community and vacation destination that Saugatuck & Douglas are today. Key to this development was Larry and Carl's founding of the Douglas Dunes Resort in 1981 despite massive challenges. Countless men and women recall the "Dunes" as the first place they could leave the shadows and be their true selves. Larry and Carl founded many local business but one of their lasting legacies is the founding of West Shore Aware, a philanthropic organization that has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants. Larry continues to be active with West Shore Aware, the Ox-Bow School of Art and many other community organizations. Larry is an active member of Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ. Larry's lasting gift to the community is the Douglas Pride Celebration Garden which he developed to honor Carl and to serve as a peaceful place of reflection to remember the hard work and good trouble of the LGBTQ+ Family and those who have gone before us. Our World is a far better place because of Larry and Carl. Love and Thanks! |
2025 Champion
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Previous Honorees
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