For Ann Bresnahan, of Hope, supporting her community is a family tradition.

Her father and mother, Arthur K. Watson and Ann H. Symington, generously contributed to the original construction of Pen Bay Medical Center, in Rockport, in the 1970s. Ann’s own commitment to PBMC began earlier: Almost 50 years ago, she volunteered as a candy striper.

Today, she serves as cochair of the Campaign for Coastal Health, a $21 million campaign that funded construction of the new Health Center at PBMC and will help support the expansion of the hospital’s Emergency Department, scheduled to begin early this summer.

The New England Association of Healthcare Philanthropy recognized Ann’s commitment to community and to PBMC and Waldo County General Hospital by honoring her with its Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Award.  

“Ann has been a good friend for a long time, and her unselfish giving has inspired me to try to follow in her footsteps,” said David Flanagan, president of Viking Lumber and a board member of Coastal Healthcare Alliance. “In reality, she has taught our entire community how to give back.”

“The Distinguished Service Award is known as philanthropy's highest honor, and is awarded to an individual who embodies the qualities that define excellence in philanthropy,” according to the Washington, D.C.-based Council on Foundations. “It was first presented in 1984, and highlights those who not only have accomplished a great deal in the field of philanthropy, but have done so while exemplifying the intellect, integrity, and leadership to which the field aspires.”

Olympia Snowe, who served as the U.S. Senator from 1995 to 2013, praised Bresnahan’s passionate voice and generosity.

“It has long been known that communities thrive when their citizens care about the world around them,” Snowe said. “No one demonstrates this more profoundly than Ann Bresnahan.”

In addition to championing PBMC and WCGH, Ann has supported many other community organizations over the years. These include the Camden Public Library, Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, LifeFlight of Maine, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Coastal Children’s Museum, the Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute, the Senator George J. Mitchell Scholarship, Penobscot Bay YMCA, Maine Public Broadcasting and Maine Medical Center. Ann is a founding member, donor and volunteer for Partners for Enrichment, an organization that brings drama and arts to local schools. 

“Despite her incredible generosity and leadership, Ann is not a person who seeks recognition for herself,” said Ellie Willmann, vice president of development for PBMC and WCGH. “There isn’t a person more deserving of this award.”

The Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Award is NEAHP’s highest honor. It is awarded annually to recognize an extraordinary philanthropist or philanthropic organization in New England that has made significant contributions to a New England health care organization.