Established in memory of Geoff Sandiford (1949–2015), the Community Builder Award recognizes individuals or groups whose passion and dedication have made Kingston and the surrounding area a better place. Award recipients receive a commemorative plaque along with a $1,000 donation to a registered charity of their choice. Past honourees include Brigadier General (retired) Bill Richard, Sophie Kiwala, Jimmy Hassan, Jim Brown & Joan Lee, and the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

This year, the award celebrates Wendy Huot, owner and operator of The Screening Room since 2011. Wendy has transformed Kingston's only independent cinema into an accessible, vibrant hub for film culture, community partnerships, and the celebration of diversity. A passionate supporter of arts and film organizations, Wendy's leadership and vision have made The Screening Room essential to Kingston's cultural life, fostering connections and giving a platform to diverse voices and stories.

Reflecting on her journey, Wendy shared, "I bought The Screening Room in 2011, but the theater itself has been a part of Kingston since the late 1990s. Even before I knew it was for sale, I had a deep admiration for the place and for what it brought to our community." Wendy described her vision for the cinema: "I saw the potential for The Screening Room to be more than just a theater, to serve as a gathering space for our community, where everyone could feel welcome and see themselves reflected on the screen."

Under her stewardship, The Screening Room has become a cornerstone for independent film in Kingston. "It's always been important to me that we showcase a wide range of voices and stories, especially those that don't always get space in mainstream cinemas," Wendy explained. "I love seeing people come together here, whether it's for a special screening, a local filmmaker's debut, or just to connect over their shared love of movies."

Wendy's commitment extends beyond the silver screen: "Supporting local arts and community organizations is at the heart of what we do," she said. "The partnerships we've built have been incredibly rewarding, not just for me, but for everyone who steps through our doors."

The Community Foundation thanks this year's award sponsor, Rapport Credit Union, for supporting the recognition of community champions like Wendy Huot. This year's award stands as a testament to Wendy's enduring impact and her vision of The Screening Room as a vibrant cultural home for all of Kingston.