The Vermont Association of REALTORS® (VAR) has named Dail Frates of Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group the recipient of the 2026 VAR Good Neighbor Award, recognizing more than two decades of extraordinary service and her commitment to creating a more inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The honor comes on the heels of also being named the recipient of the Windsor County Board of REALTORS® (WCBR) 2026 Good Neighbor Award in August.
A REALTOR® for 24 years and a member of the WCBR, Frates is the co-founder of Zack’s Place Enrichment Center, a nonprofit community organization in Woodstock that provides free weekday programming where individuals with disabilities can build friendships, develop their abilities and talents, gain confidence, and engage with their community.
The story of Zack’s Place began in 2006, when Dail and her husband, Norm, envisioned a community enrichment center inspired by Norm’s son and Dail’s stepson, Zack, who was born with cerebral palsy. As Zack approached the end of high school, they wanted to create a place where he could continue to enjoy friendship, creativity, and meaningful activities. Zack died unexpectedly at age 21, but Dail and Norm carried their vision forward in his honor.
What began with just five participants grew to 25 in its first year. Today, 20 years later, Zack’s Place serves more than 100 adults with developmental disabilities from Vermont and New Hampshire, providing enrichment programs that foster independence, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement.
“Dail’s commitment to her community represents the very spirit of the Good Neighbor Award,” said Sandy Reavill, chair of VAR’s Awards Project Team. “She saw a need, turned a deeply personal vision into action, and created something that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the Upper Valley.”
Dail served as Executive Director of Zack’s Place for more than 14 years, devoting countless hours to leadership, fundraising, advocacy, and building the organization from the ground up. Her work helped establish Zack’s Place as a lasting community resource, while inspiring others to become part of its mission.
Her commitment did not end when she retired as Executive Director. Dail continues to serve Zack’s Place as a board member and volunteer and remains involved in fundraising efforts, including the annual Turkey Trot and Tournament of Champions golf tournament.
Dail has also expanded her community service through the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, where she delivers Meals on Wheels to area seniors. For Dail, those visits provide more than a meal; they offer an opportunity to connect personally with seniors and provide an additional wellness check for those living in the community.
Beth Robinson, Executive Director of Zack’s Place, described Dail’s impact as one that extends well beyond the organization itself, noting that her leadership has helped foster “a more inclusive, compassionate community where every individual is valued.”
The VAR Good Neighbor Award recognizes a REALTOR® whose personal commitment and volunteer service have made their community a better place to live and whose efforts can serve as an example for other REALTORS®.
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