PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Nicole Horn, Donor Relations & Communications Officer, Bay Area Community Foundation
(989) 893-4438 | nicoleh@bayfoundation.org
Bay Area Community Foundation to Honor Michael Hanisko and Ellen Charlebois at 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration
Bay City, MI – The Bay Area Community Foundation will honor two remarkable community leaders whose lives reflect a legacy of generosity, volunteerism, and civic leadership during the 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration.
During the biennial event, Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko will receive the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition honoring individuals whose commitment to serving others has strengthened the Bay County community.
Named in honor of Peggy Rowley, one of the founding visionaries of the Bay Area Community Foundation, the award celebrates those who embody her lifelong belief that communities flourish when people invest their time, talent, and resources to improve the lives of others. Rowley helped establish the Foundation in 1982, championed philanthropy throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, and was a passionate advocate for the arts, culture, and community enrichment. Her legacy continues through the award that bears her name and recognizes individuals whose leadership creates lasting impact.
Faces of Philanthropy is the signature event of the Bay Area Community Foundation that celebrates the individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity and leadership help create a stronger Bay and Arenac County community. The event recognizes the many ways philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions, from volunteering and advocacy to mentorship and service, and honors those who dedicate their time and talents to make a lasting difference.
“Philanthropy is built by people whose choose to show up for their communities in meaningful ways,” said Shawna Walraven, President & CEO of the Bay Area Community Foundation. “The Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award represents the very best of that spirit. Ellen and Michael have each spent decades investing in others, strengthening organizations, and inspiring future generations of community leaders. Their impact can be seen throughout our region, and we are honored to celebrate their incredible contributions.”
Ellen Charlebois
For more than three decades, Ellen Charlebois has combined thoughtful leadership with a passion for strengthening Northern Bay County through community development, the arts, and nonprofit service.
Following a career that culminated as founding member and senior partner of Infusion Group, LLC., Charlebois retired in 2022 after helping organizations navigate strategic growth and organizational change. Her professional path began in a variety of roles before joining Magline, Inc., where she advanced from temporary Accounts Payable Clerk to Director of Human Resources. It was during her time at Magline that she first became involved with the Northern Bay County Fund, an organization she continues to champion today.
Charlebois currently serves as Chair of the Northern Bay County Fund Committee within the Bay Area Community Foundation, President of the Pinconning Arts Council, Treasurer of the Friends of the Pinconning Community Center, a member of the Leslie L. Squires Foundation Board, and Chair of the Bay Area Community Foundation Governance Committee.
Among her many accomplishments, Charlebois has helped establish beloved community traditions, including the free “Tuesdays in the Park” summer concert series, led the creation of the Pinconning Bandshell, contributed to the publication of Pinconning Yesterday & Today, and helped oversee the transformation of the historic Pinconning Community Center into a fully accessible gathering place for the community.
Her services have been recognized with the Pinconning & Linwood Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award, the Rotary Club of Pinconning & Standish Paul Harris Fellow Award, and multiple Chamber President’s and Arts & Heritage Awards.
An advocate for the arts, Charlebois believes creative experiences have the power to bring people together, foster understanding, and strengthen communities. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, painting, reading, and birding.
Michael Hanisko
A longtime Bay County resident and Certified Public Accountant, Michael Hanisko has built a career rooted in both professional excellence and community service. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a degree in accounting, he joined Weinlander Fitzhugh in 1984, became a partner in 1995, and served in numerous leadership roles before retiring from firm ownership in 2024. Today, he continues to work part-time while serving the Board of Directors of 1st State Bank.
Throughout his career, Hanisko embraced the belief that success carries with it a responsibility to serve others. His leadership has benefited organizations including the Bay Area Community Foundation, Morning Rotary Club of Bay City, United Way of Bay County, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Delta College Foundation, The Kantzler Foundation, and many others. While Michael is not often the “face” of a project or initiative, our community has benefited from his thoughtful guidance, leadership, and perseverance in many ways. He is truly a selfless and giving community volunteer.
His community involvement has earned numerous recognitions, including the Leadership Bay County Alumni Community Service Award, the United Way Distinguished Service Award, and induction into the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
Outside of his professional and volunteer life, Hanisko is an avid endurance athlete. He has completed multiple marathons, four Ironman triathlons, a 50-mile ultra-trail face, and participated in Make-A-Wish cycling events that raised thousands of dollars for children with critical illnesses. Alongside his wife, Sheila, he also enjoys hiking, biking, pickleball, golf, and spending time with their growing family of six grandchildren.
Faces of Philanthropy celebrates individuals whose generosity creates opportunities for others and whose leadership inspires future generations of community builders. Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko exemplify those values through decades of dedicated service and a shared belief that thriving communities are built by people who choose to give back.
The community is invited to join the Bay Area Community Foundation in honoring this year’s recipients during the Faces of Philanthropy Celebration.
Faces of Philanthropy
- Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bay City – Riverfront, One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 48708
This evening will feature a social hour, dinner, an awards program recognizing this years honorees, and an opportunity to celebrate the many individuals whose generosity and leadership continue to strengthen our community.
Tickets for the 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration are available. General admission is $75, and a variety of sponsorship opportunities are offered for those wishing to further support the event. Sponsorship levels range from Patron ($250), Supporter ($500), Benefactor ($750), and Philanthropist ($1,000), with benefits including event tickets, reserved seating, recognition during the event, and acknowledgement in the event program., depending on the level.
To purchase tickets or learn more about the individual sponsorship opportunities, scan the SQ code below or visit the Bay Area Community Foundation’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BayAreaCommunityFoundation.
Scan to purchase tickets or learn more about individual sponsorship opportunities.
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The Bay Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization working to improve the quality of life in Bay and Arenac counties. The Foundation’s mission is to build community through generosity, leadership and strategic grantmaking. The Bay Area Community Foundation is in the Pere Marquette Depot at 1000 Adams Street, Suite 200, Bay City, Michigan 48708. For more information, visit www.bayfoundation.org.
I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.
