ARCC honors Jacky Touba with 37th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award at annual dinner event
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) welcomed 260 guests at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY, for their annual dinner celebration on Friday, March 6, 2026. This annual gathering serves as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and show gratitude for the support of the business community.
“This event is a great showing of support for the business community,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “Community doesn’t happen by accident. It is built intentionally through partnership, collaboration, and showing up for one another. And in the last year, we have seen what support really means.”
The J. Walter Juckett Award is given out at this annual event, tying the philanthropic work and community-minded commitment of Mr. Juckett to a deserving community member. This year, the chamber honored Dr. Jacquiline “Jacky” Touba with their 37th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award, an award bestowed upon a honoree who demonstrates a fierce commitment and hands-on dedication to the betterment of our community.
Guests were treated to a champagne welcome, followed by a cocktail hour, program, and three-course dinner. The program featured a Resolution presentation by Senator Dan Stec & Assemblyman Matt Simpson, and a Proclamation presentation by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. The Boards of Supervisors of Warren & Washington counties also prepared proclamations for Dr. Touba. In addition, a very moving video tribute, produced by Sean Junda of Junda Video Enterprises, was unveiled, highlighting Dr. Touba’s accomplishments, including the creation of the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls, NY.
Dr. Touba thanked many people during her remarks, including some family & friends in the room. Her emphasis on working together as a community resonated with guests as the ARCC spoke at length about collaboration during the program. During Dr. Touba’s remarks, she shared the story of how J. Walter Juckett himself was one of the first donors toward fundraising for the creation of the children’s museum. At the time, Mr. Juckett was the chairman of the Sandy Hill Foundation, and after realizing the urgency of Dr. Touba’s request, he reached into his wallet and handed her a $100 bill. This first donation went toward the first International Festival of the Adirondacks in Glens Falls, NY. What was to follow were many celebrations of arts & culture from around the world, the International Youth Art Exchange, the annual International Cuisine fundraiser, and finally the creation of the World Awareness Children’s Museum in 1995. The museum celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 and honored Jacky at their International Cuisine event. Today, the museum offers interactive play, cultural exhibits, programs, and events for families.
With more than 50 years as an artist, Jacky drew on her work as a college professor, and her extensive world travels to ensure that the children (and adults) of the Glens Falls region could explore our diverse world through interactive play and learning.
Through the Touba Family Foundation, Jacky has supported multiple arts & culture-focused organizations in the greater region. This initiative is especially important in a time when funding for these organizations often gets cut.
Visit the World Awareness Children’s Museum at 89 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY
