News

Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors five nonprofit leaders from county

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 25, 2026

Five nonprofit leaders in leaders in Henderson County are among the recipients of the 2026 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, the Community Foundation of Henderson County announced Thursday.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make significant contributions to their communities through volunteer service. As Henderson County’s designated award coordinator, CFHC facilitates the local nomination and recognition process each year.

The 2026 Henderson County recipients are Mark Byington of Conserving Carolina, Peter Kirchner of MANNA FoodBank, Milton Stewart of First Congregational UCC Hendersonville, Cynthia Van Deusen of Love and Respect, and the volunteer team of Mountain Aging Partners.

In addition to receiving a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, Milton Stewart was selected as Henderson County’s Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service recipient, one of North Carolina’s highest honors for volunteer service. Only one nominee is submitted from each county, and Medallion recipients are selected through a statewide review process recognizing North Carolina’s most outstanding volunteers.

Since moving to Henderson County in 2008, Milton has dedicated countless hours to serving the community through First Congregational UCC Hendersonville. He founded Milton’s Garden, a community garden at the church where he devotes more than 20 hours each week to its maintenance while leading a team of volunteers. Through these efforts, more than 22,500 pounds of fresh produce have been donated to local organizations, including Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Safelight’s Dandelion Café and the Hendersonville Rescue Mission.

“These award recipients represent some of the best of Henderson County,” said Rebekah Hobbs, Donor Services and Scholarship Officer, who also serves as the Henderson County coordinator for the GVSA. “Through their generosity and leadership, they strengthen our community and demonstrate the power of volunteerism in action. We are honored to recognize their contributions and celebrate the impact they make every day.”

Nominations for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards open annually at the beginning of the year. Additional information about the awards program can be found through the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. More information about this year’s Henderson County recipients is available on the Community Foundation of Henderson County’s website.