Celebrating Local Heroes: Highlights from the Volunteer Recognition Awards
On March 4, the community gathered to celebrate the incredible volunteers who make New Canaan stronger at the Volunteer Recognition Awards hosted by the New Canaan Community Foundation. The evening honored individuals and groups whose dedication and service continue to uplift our town through generosity and action.
This year’s honorees represented a wide range of contributions, from youth leadership and nonprofit service to hands-on community impact. The 2026 award recipients included:
2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards Honorees
Youth Rookie of the Year – Will Taylor, Open Doors
Board Leadership MVP – Tom Reynolds, New Canaan Land Trust
Hands-On Hall of Fame – Terri Leopold, Person to Person
Hands-On MVP – Susan Freedgood, New Canaan Museum & Historical Society
Community Initiative – Scott Hobbs, New Canaan Housing Authority
Hands-On MVP – Michael Canoro, New Canaan Library
Hands-On Hall of Fame – Martha Poretta, Waveny LifeCare Network
Hands-On Rookie of the Year – Marshall Pask, Staying Put in New Canaan
Youth MVP – Jordan Alexander, Building One Community
Outstanding Group – Jill Robey for Flower Again CT
Outstanding Youth Group – Dante Marsili & Graysen Handler for Feeding 500 New Canaan
Youth Rookie of the Year – Cassie Arevalo, Waveny LifeCare Network
NCCF “Small Business, Big Impact” – Sean Brennan with C&H Automotive
NCCF “Impact” – Ali Luddy
A special thank you goes to our generous sponsors, including New Canaanite, New Canaan Rotary Club, Club Sandwich, Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee, Curry Mango, and Swirl Frozen Yogurt, whose support made the evening possible. Their commitment to community service helps amplify the impact of events like the Volunteer Recognition Awards and ensures that local initiatives continue to thrive.
his special event and program was organized by the Volunteer Recognition Awards Committee, led by Chair Marley Thackeray, with committee members Robin Bates-Mason, Bob Doran, Jane Fox, Tracey Karl, Tucker Murphy, Maia Sapanski, Chris Schipper, and Valerie Stryker.
The evening served as a reminder that volunteerism is the backbone of New Canaan’s civic life. Through time, compassion, and action, these honorees exemplify the spirit of service that drives change.
Photos from the evening can be viewed in our 2026 Volunteer Recognition Awards gallery. Visit the gallery to see highlights from the ceremony and moments celebrating this year’s honorees.
If you’d like to learn more about the Volunteer Recognition Awards or future opportunities to support community initiatives, visit our website page or reach out. Together, we continue building a stronger and more connected New Canaan.