In Chicago, IL, Denver’s Donna LaVigne received the Prism Award for Women of Style and Achievements at the 17th Annual Gintong Pamana Awards Dinner and Ball on August 27.
The tradition of the Gintong Pamana Awards Foundation, Inc. (GPAFI) has been to recognize Filipino people and community’s achievements and excellence in various fields of endeavor. LaVigne’s life story was published in the 17th edition of Profiles of Excellence along with the other recipients from across the nation.
GPAFI was founded in 1994 to serve as a charity and civic arm of Philippine Time, publisher of the FilAm MegaScene and its forerunner, Philippine Time USA News & People Magazine. Like how a prism gives off different colors in its reflection, so does a woman’s multi-faceted personality. A Prism Award recipient stands out in a crowd, draws admiration and commands respect. A Prism Woman is an ideal blending of style and achievements.
That is Donna LaVigne.
She is the chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Association Region V. In 2003, when the Philippines was hit by consecutive typhoons that left thousands either dead or homeless, LaVigne fundraised for the Gawad Kalinga Colorado Village. Presently, there are 30 houses in the village.
LaVigne started the annual Filipiana celebration featuring local and Philippine traveling artists. She also launched the Lifetime Achivement Award to recognize those who have made a difference in the lives of others, which she was later given the award.
In 2010, LaVigne assisted in shipping two containers full of medical supplies and equipment to the hospitals in Aklan, which were ravaged by typhoon Frank in 2008.
Her most memorable feats include her selection as Honorary Chair of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, serving as Aurora Asian Pacific Community Partnership Co-Chair, and volunteering on the Governor’s Asian Pacific Advisory Council. She was appointed to be on the first Human and Health Services Advisory Council.
While she was the president of the Filipino-American Community of Colorado, she secured the SCFD grant that enabled the organization to focus less on fundraising and more on its programs. She also started the annual Philippine Festival in Colorado which celebrated its 16th year this past June.
LaVigne is involved with medical missions to the Philippines and last February was her 15th consecutive year of participation.
She is married to Jay LaVigne, a lawyer and former Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. Their daughter, Mahal, is a graduate of Colorado State University.
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