The Marin Humane Society

2008 Humanitarian Award Winners

The MHS Humanitarian of the Year, Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year were honored at the Society's Whiskers & Wine event on Saturday, October 18.

2008 Humanitarian of the Year

The Marin Humane Society is proud to honor Marion Fitzgibbon, chairperson of Limerick Animal Welfare, as 2008 Humanitarian of the Year. Along with establishing a lasting foundation for animal welfare in the city and county of Limerick, LAW's greatest work to date is the building of a new Sanctuary where more than 120 animals are cared for daily. Fitzbiggon (pictured right) is also Director of the American European Greyhound Alliance and a founding member of Greyhound Friends Boston.

2008 Humane Student of the Year

The 2008 Helena & Anthony Franklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Youth was awarded to Natasha Badaa of Novato. For the past several years, Natasha has volunteered in the Humane Society's Clinic, and has also served as an assistant during MHS Summer Camp. On her own initiative, Natasha (pictured left) organized a dog wash fundraiser last spring with the Novato High School Key Club. The event raised $300 for the Humane Society.

2008 Humane Teacher of the Year

Christine Heilmann (pictured right) is the 2008 Madelon Tormanen Humane Teacher of the Year. Christine works at Bel Aire School in Tiburon where she established the Reading Round-Up project to teach third and fourth grade students the importance of humane stewardship. Christine's students earn money for the Marin Humane Society's SHARE program by finding sponsors for each book they read.