2026_6_11 Mary Lynn Hartwell - John D. Hansen Award

Building Community Through Philanthropy with Mary Lynn HartwellAt the City Club of Idaho Falls Annual Meeting, Mary Lynn Hartwell, recipient of the 2026 John D. Hansen Award, reflected on a lifetime of service, leadership, and philanthropy in Eastern Idaho.Drawing on her experiences with United Way, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Idaho Falls Arts Council, and countless community initiatives, Mary Lynn shared how lasting change happens when neighbors come together to solve shared problems. She emphasized that philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it's about building relationships, creating opportunities, and investing in future generations.Throughout the evening, Mary Lynn inspired us by highlighting the power of ordinary people working together, reminding attendees that community is built "neighbor by neighbor, gift by gift, yes by yes."