The Kiwanis Club of Aurora is proud to announce that Fannie Morrison and the Rev. Charles Reichenbacher have been named two recipients of the 2026 God & Fellow Man Award. The award recognizes community members whose lives exemplify spiritual and charitable contributions, the daily living of the Golden Rule, and an unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children.
The public is invited to this award banquet. To make a reservation for the Thursday, May 28 evening banquet at Lincoln Inn Banquets at 5:30 p.m. social and 6 p.m. dinner, email to aurorakiwanis@gmail.com; payment in the form of cash, check or credit card will be collected at the event.
RSVP deadline is Friday, May 22. Tickets are $45 per person, $80 for two or $350 for a table of eight. It is a buffet style dinner with a cash bar.
•Fannie Morrison:
Born and raised in Louisiana, Fannie Morrison graduated from Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Dietology. Morrison then attained a master’s degree in Food Management from the University of Iowa. Shortly afterward, she moved to Aurora, where she worked at St. Charles Hospital, the Geneva Girls School, and the St. Charles Juvenile Detention Center before becoming a consultant for the Illinois Department of Corrections.
She became the first woman supervisor in an all-male work environment, stepping up to the challenge by revamping operations and helping make the facilities healthier and safer for everyone within them.
Her volunteer efforts have touched countless lives. She has read to children at Nancy Hill School, served meals at Wayside Cross Ministries and Hesed House, and taught Bible classes at the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center. For more than 30 years, she has volunteered at Mutual Ground in many capacities and is especially known for “Miss Fanny’s Yard Sale,” which raises more than $3,000 annually for the shelter
At the age of 87, she continues to serve others unconditionally. As many who know her would say, “Everything she does is a service to God,” and so many are deeply grateful for her compassion, dedication, and example.
•The Rev. Charles Reichenbacher:
The Rev. Charles Reichenbacher of Marmion Academy has devoted more than 60 years to monastic life, faithfully serving the youth of Marmion Academy and the parishes of the Fox Valley. For over four decades, Reichenbacher has been instrumental in the advancement of Marmion Academy’s facilities, the growth of its student body, and the strengthening of alumni relationships. He currently serves as Director of Development for the campus, sports complexes, Abbey Church, and the Mission Church in Guatemala.
In his role, this Catholic leader has excelled at helping individuals leave legacies that reflect their deepest values: faith, family, and service to the community. Through his generosity, leadership, and dedication, his efforts have touched thousands of lives.
The Kiwanis award chairperson Kim Groom shares from others, “Outside of Marmion, both young and old witness his deep spirituality and the quiet humility of a man who brings joy, hope, and comfort during times of celebration and times of hardship. Father Charles is a true testament to someone who lives the Golden Rule each and every day.”
—Kiwanis Club of Aurora