Leah Bayer, of Aunt Leah’s Fudge, To Receive Dreamland's "Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award"

The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation announced this week that Leah Bayer, of Aunt Leah's Fudge, has been chosen as the 2024 recipient of its Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award.

This accolade recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and selflessness in making Nantucket a better place through their unwavering commitment to the community. Bayer will be honored at the Nantucket Dreamland's annual fundraiser, The DreamBIG Event on July 28, 2024.

Selected by a panel of judges comprising Dreamland's board of directors and other community leaders, Bayer "exemplifies the compassion and service fostered by Fred Rogers throughout his life," the Dreamland stated in its announcement. "With her unparalleled contributions and tireless efforts, Leah Bayer has left an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals in Nantucket."

Among the numerous testimonials submitted in support of Bayer's nomination, her dedication to the local community’s first responders stood out.

One nominator expressed, "Aunt Leah marks every major holiday on her calendar and makes sure she delivers fudge to the Nantucket hospital, fire station, and police departments rain or shine. She takes care of so many service workers with drinks and snacks who are out doing their daily duties. She takes the time to get to know people and their family and always asks how they and their families are doing."

Bayer has been self-owner and operator of Aunt Leah’s Fudge for over 40 Years.

"Leah Bayer's exceptional qualities of compassion, community service, and selflessness truly embody the spirit of the Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Award," said Alicia L. Carney, executive director of the Dreamland Foundation. "Her love of this community and the thousands of lives, including generations of families, that she has impacted is incredible. Just stop by her shop and ask her about the hundreds of holiday cards she has received from families over the years and she will show you their personalized wedding or special occasion 'favors box' for cranberries that she has designed for children of the families who have frequented her shop for decades. She is truly a ‘good neighbor’ and an absolute gift to this community. She takes immense pride in the relationships she has fostered on this island and we are truly lucky she has made this island her home. We are honored to recognize her and celebrate her outstanding contributions and efforts in spreading love and joy to those in this community.”