The HSHS St. Francis Hospital Foundation presented two special awards to local residents during its Farm Family event, according to a March 26 announcement.
The awards recognize individuals and businesses for their contributions to agriculture and the community. The St. Isidore Friend of Agriculture award was given to Tom Burenga for his lifelong dedication to the agricultural industry. Burenga, originally from New Jersey, began his involvement in agriculture at age 10 through 4-H and later participated in FFA activities such as growing tomatoes under contract and raising broilers. He earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University in 1966 and holds 18 patents related to farm equipment innovation.
Burenga moved to Litchfield in 1980 to manage what became Worksaver, leading the company as CEO and expanding it into a major supplier with over 70 employees. He has also supported local education initiatives by partnering with schools and colleges. Burenga credits his wife Paulette as his main supporter, noting they will celebrate their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary this summer.
The Foundation also gave a Special Recognition award this year to Victory Lane Ford owners Gene and Stephanie Hebenstreit. The Hebenstreits have operated Victory Lane Ford since October 1998, expanding it across two locations with their children involved as partners. They created the Victory Lane Challenge, which has raised more than $120,000 for the St. Clare Center food pantry, and sponsor box lunches delivered twice yearly by the hospital to farmers working in fields.
Stephanie Hebenstreit serves on the hospital Auxiliary board while Gene is part of the Foundation Leadership Council. “When you help people, it comes back to you a hundred-fold,” said Gene Hebenstreit about their commitment to giving back.
The awards were presented at an event designed for Macoupin and Montgomery county farmers and their families focused on health, education, and community.
