Cape and Islands United Way honors Tony Shepley

The Cape and Islands United Way has presented Shepley Wood Products Owner and President Tony Shepley with its inaugural Visionary Award.

Shepley was presented with the award at the Best Night at Home event on June 28. The new award will be presented each year at the organization’s signature fundraising event, recognizing an individual who “doesn’t see things as they are, but what they could be,” said Mark Skala, president and CEO of the Cape and Islands United Way.

“Anyone who knows Tony knows he is a visionary, not only in business but in philanthropy,” said Skala. “He sees how things could be to improve the lives of people in our communities and he puts his time, talent, and treasure toward that end. We can’t think of anyone better to be the recipient of this first award.”

Shepley and his wife Lorraine have been long-time supporters of the Cape and Islands United Way personally and through Shepley Wood Products. 

Their commitment to the community extends beyond the work and support of the United Way. Causes supported by Shepley Wood Products include Habitat for Humanity on Cape Cod, Housing Assistance Corporation, as well as, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands, and Calmer Choice. 

“I view ‘civic rent’ as a social obligation that we should pay back to our community,” says Shepley. “Paying our civic rent is how we maintain our society and our quality of life by investing in the repairs, maintenance and the building up of the social systems around us.”

Shepley co-founded Shepley Wood Products in 1978 with a used lumber truck, $4,000, and the idea that there was a need for another lumberyard in Hyannis, Mass.

The dealer continues to run its central location in Hyannis along with its Shepley Showcase showroom and offices in Wellfleet and Nantucket.