Sharon Benninger walked into the Loads Of Hope site at St. John’s Episcopal Church in downtown Stockon and was met with an emotional and gratifying surprise.
Benninger, a longtime nonprofit leader and retired school teacher, as named the 70th Stocktonian of the year by the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and Central Valley Association of Realtors Stockton Council.
She was greeted by a crowd of supporters and a bouquet of flowers, and smiled with tears in her eyes.
“I have tears of joy and gratitude and love. I don’t know, it’s just a real surprise to me,” an emotional Benninger said after the announcement. “I travel with a band of angels. It’s not just me. It’s so many caring hearts that want to make a difference in this beautiful Stockton.”
Since her retirement from teaching elementary school, Benninger has co-founded 2 organizations Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary and Uplift All Foundation/Loads of Hope, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life of the unhoused and those in need. This work is done through many programs such as mobile laundry services, personal enrichment classes, self-affirming activities for women and children, support sessions, winter drives and many more. She is a founding member of United Ways’ Andy’s Angels.
She has also been a fundraiser for Hospice of San Joaquin, Gospel Center Rescue Mission, and St. Mary’s Dining Hall.
