We honor our 2026 Award Winners!
Ruth J. Wisnom Volunteer of the Year: Mary Ellen Benninger
HBF is proud to announce that Mary Ellen Benninger has been selected as the recipient of our Ruth J. Wisnom Volunteer of the Year Award.
A Hillsborough resident since 1992, Mary Ellen joined HBF’s Board of Directors in 2016 and served as President of the Board for two years. She continues to play an active leadership role on the Development Committee, Donor Outreach Committee, and the Communications Committee.
Mary Ellen is one of HBF's most dedicated and successful fundraisers. Through her personal outreach, thoughtful reminders and strong community connections, she has inspired countless friends and neighbors to support HBF. Reflecting on her 33 years in Hillsborough, Mary Ellen shares that she has witnessed with her own eyes “how HBF has transformed public spaces like Vista and Crossroads Parks and the many islands in Town and what an incredible difference the work HBF and its volunteers continue to make in upgrading the beauty and functionality of our Town’s public spaces.”
Beyond her contributions to HBF, Mary Ellen has been a true Hillsborough community champion. Her volunteer leadership includes eight years as a Trustee of the Hillsborough City School District, President of Hillsborough Schools Foundation and a member of the Hillsborough Little League Board of Directors. She currently serves on our Town’s Citizens Communication Advisory Committee.
Mary Ellen and her husband, Tom, have two children. HBF is deeply grateful for Mary Ellen's leadership and unwavering commitment to making Hillsborough more beautiful and keeping our community vibrant. We are honored to recognize her with the Ruth J. Wisnom Volunteer of the Year Award.
Past Volunteer Winner of the Year
2002 Sally & Jim Meakin
2003 Geri Lane Association
2004 School Projects: Pamela Baker, Pilar Chua, Denise Borocz, & Letty Callinan
2005 Peggy McLaughlin
2006 Lily Ray & Val Vaden
2007 Maryellie Johnson
2008 Harry Hanson
2009 Ruth Wisnom
2010 Cinnie Magowan
2011 Lennie Gotcher
2012 Harumi Nakano
2013 Kathryn Toms
2014 Donna Abrahamson
2015 Joni Amaroli
2016 Robert Waddell
2017 Candy Blanchard
2018 Tori Hazelrig
2019 Kathy Ceremsak
2022 Eric Nyhus
2023 Sue Fisher
2024 Georgann Fannon
2025 Kris Willig
2026 Mary Ellen Benninger
Past Professional Appreciation of the Year
2002 Lisa Keyston
2003 Kevin Burns/Maxim
2005 Kevin Kielty
2006 George Landscaping Service
2007 Martha DeBry
2008 Kevin Weir
2009 Gary Francis
2010 Sarah Small
2012 Allan Burnett
2013 Scapes/Lane & Scott Poms
2014 John Mullins
2015 Hilary McMahan
2016 Cheryl Westmont
2017 Melissa Olson
2018 Steve Willett
2022 Jenny Winges
2024 Paul Willis
2025 William Li