HAVERHILL - Philip Laverriere Sr. was a star. Or at least he was treated like one for a few hours last night.

As a reward for a lifetime spent in service to the community, the Lawrence native was put in a seat of honor at the head table at the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner. He was lauded and applauded, and given the chamber's most prestigious award: the Ralph B. Wilkinson Award for "good citizenship."

"This is probably the most wonderful award I could get," Laverriere said. "I was flabbergasted."

The award was given to honor Laverriere's four decades with the Greater Lawrence Community Action Program. Though he is now the executive director, he had started with the non-profit organization in 1966 as a project director working with the city's at-risk children.

Laverriere was one of two people to receive awards after the crowd of nearly 500 had dined on filet mignon and baked stuffed shrimp at DiBurro's Function Hall in Haverhill.

King Webster of Andover, owner of the former Blue Seal Feeds in Lawrence, was also honored with the annual Community Spirit Award.

Webster founded the "I Have a Dream Foundation" by "adopting" a class of sixth graders from the Arlington School in Lawrence, and supporting them as they grew up and went off to college. He and his wife, Dee, have also provided funding for several other local programs.

Webster said it's not his money that makes the difference - it's the dedication of the people working for the organizations he donates to.

"We are indebted to those leaders in our community," he said. "They're wonderful people."

Laverriere is one of those people who has dedicated his life to working for a non-profit agency. He says he has enjoyed the work.

"It's been a great, great experience," he told the crowd during his acceptance speech. "It was something I loved to do, and I still love to do it."

For his work over the years, Laverriere already has a list of awards from several other organizations, and even has a building in Lawrence named after him.

But last night's award was special for Laverriere, since over the years he has watched so many other worthy people receive the same award, he said.

The event was so special for Laverriere even his wife Michelle was in attendance - the first time she has ever accompanied him to a chamber dinner.

"It's wonderful," she said of the award. "He deserved it."

The couple's six children and their spouses also went, taking up two tables in the front of the room and providing a built-in cheering section.

To top off the night, Laverriere's son Stephen Laverriere of Lawrence was one of three who won a breakfast with Gov. Deval Patrick in a raffle, which provided the grand finale to the evening. Stephen Laverriere said he is excited about meeting the governor.

"It'll be something different," he said.