New London — A group has formed to help establish the William A. Stanley Community Leadership Fund in the name of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital’s longtime vice president for development and community relations, who announced in June that he will retire next month.

The Friends of Bill Stanley said the fund “will support initiatives or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to the improvement of the communities in our region, from Norwich to New London. By recognizing others, especially young people who emulate Bill Stanley’s commitment to our community, this fund will enhance Bill’s legacy and demonstrate our collective gratitude.”

A Norwich native, Stanley joined L+M in 1999. He previously had been a reporter for The Day, a campaign press secretary for former Gov. William O’Neill and director of corporate communications at Backus Hospital in Norwich.

Patrick Green, L+M’s president and chief executive officer, described Stanley as a “pillar in our organization for many years.”

Contributions to the William A. Stanley Community Leadership Fund can be made by check or online. Checks should be made out to “CFECT” with “WA Stanley Community Leadership Fund” in the memo and sent to The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, 68 Federal St., New London, CT 06320. Online donations can be made at https://cfect.fcsuite.com/erp/donate. Search for “Stanley” in the search box at the bottom of the page.

To leave a note or video for Stanley, email it to wstanleyretires@gmail.com.

Members of Friends of Bill Stanley are: Dr. Jay Allen, Ann Baldelli, Jane Lassen Bobruff, Daniel Brannegan, Rodney Butler, Michael Buscetto, William Christopher, Bruce Cummings, Dr. Patrick Doherty, Gary Farrugia, Scott Gladstone, Patrick Green, Ulysses Hammond, Daniel King, Jay Levin, Lori Lindfors, Lynn Malerba, Linda Mariani, Morgan McGinley, Maria Miranda, Michael Passero, Naomi Rachleff, Michael Rauh, Tony Sheridan, Dr. Mark Somers, Dan Steward, Verna Swann and Rocco Timpano.