PERRYVILLE — The Robinson Event Center was filled with an enthusiastic crowd Nov. 6 as friends, family and community members came together to recognize Mike Zahner as the Perry County Community Foundation’s 2025 Humanitarian of the Year.
The annual Humanitarian Dinner, the foundation’s major fundraiser, honors an individual whose leadership and service have made a lasting difference in Perry County. This year’s honoree, a man better known for working behind the scenes, drew one of the largest and most personal turnouts in the event’s 10-year history.
HONORING A FAMILIAR FACE
Foundation Chair Natalie Lorenz welcomed guests by noting that the evening “celebrates what makes Perry County truly special — its people, its generosity, and its shared spirit of giving.” Vice Chair Trina Dillehay added that Zahner “embodies the very spirit of community service.”
The night featured dinner, remarks from board members, and video tributes from friends who described Zahner’s kindness, humor and reliability. Later, a lively auction raised funds for community grants through bids on Cardinals tickets, bourbon packages and other donated items.
But the tone turned reflective as the lights dimmed and a short introduction video traced Zahner’s decades of professional and civic involvement. A
LIFETIME OF SERVICE
Zahner has spent more than 45 years shaping the Perry County landscape — both literally and figuratively. As a licensed land surveyor and founder of Zahner & Associates, Inc., he built a respected firm known for precision, integrity and mentorship. His professional influence extends across Missouri through leadership in the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors and the National Society of Professional Surveyors, and he received the Robert E. Myers Service Award in 2023.
Locally, Zahner’s volunteer commitments span a wide range. He has served on the Perry County Mental Health Board, the Midwest Geospatial Academy, St. Rose of Lima Parish, the National Veterans Memorial and organizations such as the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and Perry County Historical Society.
“Ask anyone in Perry County, and they’ll tell you Mike shows up,” one presenter said.
A HUMBLE ACCEPTANCE
When Zahner was invited to the stage, the crowd rose in applause. He smiled as he motioned for his children and grandchildren to join him, explaining that they were the reason he was most proud.
“Thank you to everyone for being here tonight,” he said. “And a special thanks to those who made up nice things to say about me.”
Zahner joked that he had spent weeks wondering how he qualified for the award before deciding it must go “to the person blessed with the most wonderful friends and family.”
“Take a look around this room,” he said. “What you’ll see are some of the most caring, giving people you’ll find anywhere. Here I stand, the luckiest guy on Earth, to have friends like all of you. The only way I can accept this is on behalf of everyone here.”
FAITH, FAMILY AND GIVING BACK
He shared a few memories of growing up as one of nine children near St. Rose of Lima Church in Silver Lake, where faith and service were part of daily life. “Our parents were selfless and tireless,” he said. “They did their best to instill in us a spirit of giving back. We all know that to whom much is given, much is expected. I can assure you I’m still trying to catch up on what’s expected of me.”
Copies of The Generosity Habit by Matthew Kelly were placed on each table, and Zahner encouraged guests to take one home.
“I’ve been reading one page from it every morning for the past several years,” he said. “It’s had a wonderful effect on my outlook toward giving. If you feel you don’t need the book, pass it on to someone who could use a little reminder about the joy of generosity.”
He announced that the Foundation’s $1,000 donation in his honor would go to the Rotary Club Foundation Endowment, matched by contributions from his family and relatives. “I want to especially thank the Community Foundation for this award,” he said. “And I promise to try to live up to all the nice things people are saying about me.”
A LASTING IMPRESSION
Before leaving the stage, Zahner showed a short video about Rotary International’s work worldwide, describing it as “a place where leaders come together to share ideas and serve above self.” His closing line drew a round of laughter: “Sometimes we collect for polio, sometimes we just stand in the street and laugh — but we always have fun.”
The crowd rose again in applause as Zahner stepped down, surrounded by family and friends. His message of gratitude and generosity clearly struck a chord with many in the room.
“Mike’s the kind of person who never seeks the spotlight,” one board member said afterward. “He just keeps showing up and doing good work.”
As the program came to an end, it was clear that the evening had reminded everyone in attendance of the quiet, consistent service that strengthens a community — the kind of example Zahner has been setting for decades.
