Stronger Together, Connected for Good: Celebrating Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko 

Philanthropy often begins with the example set by others and grows through the people who choose to show up for their community. For Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko, a commitment to giving back has been shaped by family, strengthened through years of volunteering, and fueled by the belief that meaningful change happens when people come together.  

This year, the Bay Area Community Foundation is proud to honor Ellen and Michael with the Peggy Rowley Community Enrichment Award at the 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration. Their stories reflect the many ways philanthropy can make a difference: through time, talent, generosity, and the connections that help a community thrive.  

A Small Moment, A Lasting Reminder 

For Ellen Charlebois, the roots of giving back reach to her childhood. Her father worked in the family grocery store and made a point of helping others, whether that meant donating food or supporting families in need. He also volunteered with organizations like the Lions and Shriners, showing Ellen that caring for a community is something you put into practice. 

It was during her time at Magline that Ellen’s involvement with organized philanthropy began to take shape. She was introduced to the Northern Bay County Fund and asked to attend meetings on behalf of the company. Through that experience, she learned about endowed funds and how philanthropy could provide lasting support for community projects. One of her first major projects was helping develop the Northern Bay Nature Trail in Pinconning, a project that grew to include a dog park and continues to be supported through an endowment.  

One experience, however, continues to stand out.  

While volunteering at an outdoor concert in Pinconning, Ellen found herself frustrated that she was the only person collecting donations. Then she noticed a young woman with significant disabilities who lived at an adult foster care home. The woman was singing along to “You Are My Sunshine,” and the moment shifted Ellen’s perspective. It reminded her that even a small volunteer effort can create a meaningful experience for someone else. 

“If she were the only one there that night, that would have been enough,” Ellen reflected. 

That moment captures what philanthropy meant to Ellen: bringing people, resources, and organizations together to create opportunities and experiences that matter. She sees philanthropy as a kind of glue, connecting businesses, government, nonprofits, and individuals around shared needs and possibilities.  

Beyond the Community Foundation, Ellen’s service reaches into the arts and community life. She serves as President of the Pinconning Arts Council, treasurer of the Friends of the Pinconning Community Center, and a member of the Leslie L. Squires Foundation Board. Through these roles, she has helped support community concerts, arts and cultural experiences, and improvements that make local spaces more accessible and welcoming.  

For Ellen, the work is also about making something last. Endowed giving, she says, creates a resource “for good and for ever,” helping support the community not just today, but into the future. 

Showing Up for the Common Good 

Michael Hanisko’s commitment to community services was also shaped early in life. His parents were active in their church and community, including through United Way, and their example helped establish the importance of giving back. 

As a professional at Weinlander Fitzhugh, Michael found that community involvement aligned with the firm’s values. Through experiences such as Dale Carnegie, the Jaycees, and Leadership Bay County, he built connections and became involved with organizations and initiatives across the region, including United Way, the Bay Area Community Foundation, and Rotary. He also serves on BACF’s Stewardship Committee and is a member of its Men’s Philanthropy Group, furthering his commitment to strengthening the community through philanthropy and service. 

Mike’s approach to philanthropy is grounded in the common good and the belief that everyone has something to contribute. Giving back can mean sharing financial resources, offering professional skills, or simply making time to help. 

One project that illustrates this belief began with a meeting about developing soccer fields. Michael attended after seeing flyers promoting the discussion and found himself being the only person there. 

Rather than letting that stop the idea, he and a small group got to work. Together, they raised approximately $750,000 and helped bring the BASA soccer fields to life. Today, Mike sees children using those fields, a visible reminder of what can happen when people commit to an idea and work together to make it real. 

Other memories, from organizing a Jaycees Easter egg hunt to delivering Thanksgiving turkeys to helping with Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed-building efforts, have reinforced the value of showing up. Each effort may look different, but all contribute to a stronger, more connected community. 

Mike hopes his story encourages others to get involved, especially by sharing their time and talents.  

Connected for Good 

Although Ellen and Michael have followed different paths, their experiences share a common thread: philanthropy is about people coming together and taking action.  

For Ellen, that can mean connecting organizations and resources, supporting the arts, or creating an experience that brings joy to someone in the community. For Mike, it can mean turning an idea into a lasting community asset or lending a hand whenever help is needed. 

Both understand that a thriving community is built through the contributions of many people – and that everyone has something meaningful to offer. 

Their stories embody our 2026-2027 theme, ‘Connected for Good.” By sharing their time, talents, and resources, Ellen Charlebois and Michael Hanisko demonstrate how individual acts of service can create lasting connections and enrich the place we call home. 

Join the Bay Area Community Foundation in celebrating Ellen and Michael at the 2026 Faces of Philanthropy Celebration on October 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree in Downtown Bay City. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.bayfoundation.org/rsvp.