The Clinton Republican Town Committee (RTC) has announced the creation of an annual awards dinner that pays tribute to former chairperson Brendan Saunders, who passed away last year. Tickets are now available for the dinner on May 13.

In April of 2023, Clinton residents were saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Saunders, who was then the RTC chairman. In recognition of Saunders’ work in the community, last month the RTC announced the creation of the Brendan Saunders Award Dinner. The dinner will cost $75 per person and be held adjacent to Chow Restaurant at 36 Killingworth Turnpike on May 13. The dinner will feature an award ceremony and guest speakers. Tickets are available on the RTC website www.clintonrepublicans.com.

According to event organizer Robert Corson, the event is meant to honor a Clinton resident and a business or organization that follows Saunders’ dedication to giving back to the community. Corson said that while the honored individual will be a registered Republican in town, the organization or business does not need to be associated with the party. “For the business or organization, it doesn’t have to do with politics; you just have to love this town, really,” Corson explained.

The honorees for the inaugural dinner are Tom Hollinger and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.

Hollinger was a member of the Clinton Town Council when he unexpectedly passed away in December of 2023. In addition to a lengthy list of political positions, Hollinger was well known around Clinton for his participation in various youth programs as well as running the store Clinton Sports.

“Tom did a lot for this town, and like Brendan, he left a big hole that will be tough to fill.”

As for the Chamber, Corson pointed out that the organization is involved in some capacity in just about every public event held in town.

“They do a real lot. It’s almost too much to list. Everyone thinks it’s just helping businesses, which they do, but they also do the fireworks, Christmas in Clinton, and more,” Corson said.

Corson said that the idea of doing something to honor Saunders’ memory is something he had been thinking about since Saunders passed away. “His passing left a really big hole to fill,” Corson said.

In Clinton, Saunders served as an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, was a member of the Clinton Human Rights Committee, and had been the chairman of the Clinton RTC since 2021. In 2020, he unsuccessfully ran for state senator in the 33rd district. Professionally, Saunders was the director of sales and marketing for Waterford Hotel Group but was perhaps best known as an ordained minister and as a founding member of the founding pastor of Lighthouse Community Church in Westbrook.

In particular, Saunders was credited by Corson and current RTC chairman Wayne Buchanan for “revitalizing” the RTC when he took over. Specifically, Buchanan said Saunders brought more energy and more fundraising efforts to the committee.

Beyond politics, however, Corson said Saunders was someone who cared about Clinton.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor him. He was all about the town,” Corson said.