Courtesy Photo Ellen Eagan was honored as the 2025 Zonta Woman of the Year on Thursday night at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

ALPENA — Ellen Eagan was honored as the 2025 Zonta Woman of the Year on Thursday night at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.

The Zonta Club of Alpena has a long-standing tradition of honoring a woman for her volunteerism and the difference that she has made in our community. The incredible women recognized with this award have dedicated their time and talents to change lives, inspire others and make the world a better place.

Loren Jackson, director of the Zonta Club of Alpena, said, “Tonight, we take this opportunity to share the efforts of an extraordinary woman. This individual recognized that the hungry did not have a free meal option on Sundays in our community, and 27 years ago she started the Sunday Supper Soup Kitchen at Trinity Episcopal Church. Since that time, she has raised money, scheduled and trained hundreds of volunteers, cooked meals, and made a huge difference in our community. She has been described as a ‘one-woman feeding machine’ for over a quarter century. Week after week, year after year, she has been feeding people, no matter what.”

In addition to starting Sunday Supper, Eagan also began a food pantry that provides food to the hungry whenever it is needed, created Tuesday night activities for developmentally disabled adults, and has volunteered time at the Huron Humane Society and the Alpena Community College Foundation.

Jackson added, “When asked to describe this year’s recipient, one nominator stated ‘For 27 years, the hungry of all ages have had a hot meal because of the tireless hard work of this individual. She has demonstrated kindness and friendship to those who often aren’t shown either.'”

The Zonta Club of Alpena is a member of Zonta International, a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls.