(Photos by Amanda Lynn Photography)
It would be an understatement to say that Debbie Behnke and Charlie Hassler have a genuine and deep-rooted dedication to helping in their community and beyond. Independently, each has volunteered for various organizations for more than two decades. The greatest impact, however, is in their collective efforts. It is this level of service that was honored recently at the 2026 SCVTS Educational Foundation annual fundraising dinner at Maria’s By Di Paolos.
Debbie and Charlie have proven time after time that the well-being of their neighbors is an utmost priority in their daily lives. Together they have expanded advocacy efforts for people with disabilities by partnering with Resources for Independent Living; collaborating with Habitat for Humanity to provide home access; and working with Salem County Meals on Wheels to ensure everybody receives a daily hot meal,
The event selects an annual Leadership Award recipient who gives back to the community on a daily basis.
“Debbie and Charlie are so deserving of this award,” said SCVTS Superintendent of Schools, John R. Swain. “You can’t honor one of them without including both and recognizing their efforts together to better the lives of those in Salem County and beyond.”
The event also utilized the event to show case its programs and students by having the Academy of Instrumental and Vocal Music perform during the social hour. The Air Force Junior ROTC Cadets Presented the Colors and Culinary Arts students provided the desserts. Pastry Arts student DeSheon Maldonado also spoke about his experiences in the program and his plans for the future.
Debbie Behnke Hassler brings a passionate, unrelenting approach to community service fueled by the desire to ensure a better life for those living with disabilities. With a background in special education at both the Salem County Regional Day School and Alloway Township School, Debbie witnessed the needs of the population first-hand. Through her tireless efforts, Debbie helped implement an emergency plan for the special needs population in Salem County. This initiative led to the County’s first ever Disability Awareness Day as well as the first ADA conference in Salem County plus the Mental Health Awareness Conference with Salem County Law Enforcement.
In 2019, Debbie, along with her son, Darryl, established Darryl’s Wheels, a non-profit organization that provides transportation assistance for wheelchair users. Darryl was an active spokesperson and fundraiser for the organization until his passing in 2023.
Charlie Hassler complements Debbie’s passionate approach to volunteering with a strategic, hands-on focus. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Resources for Independent Living and is on the Board of Directors and Chair of the Building Committee for Salem County Habitat for Humanity. Charlie has installed more than 100 ramps at homes throughout Salem County for people living with disabilities as well as veterans. His further community engagements include serving on the Board of Trustees at Salem Community College, Board Chairman of the Salem City Port Authority, and Board Member of Darryl’s Wheels. He has served on the Salem Magic of Christmas Parade for more than 30 years and was Parade Marshall in 2025. Charlie serves on the Finance Committee for Saint Gabriel of the Archangel Parish; is the cemetery manager and groundskeeper, along with serving as a Lector at Saint Mary’s Church. Charlie is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Father Cannon Council #2607, 4th Degree.
Even in their “spare” time, both Debbie and Charlie manage to make a positive community impact through their further endeavors. Debbie serves as a commissioner for the Delaware River Bay Authority as well as a commissioner on the Salem County Tax Board. She is also a realtor for the McCann Realtors. Charlie is very involved in economic development for the County of Salem.
Debbie was the New Jersey State TRIAD Person of the Year in 2013, while Charlie received the 2022 Salem Community College Distinguished Alumni Award and was the 2018 Salem County Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
The annual event raises money for student scholarships presented to graduating seniors in June. A scholarship, named in Debbie and Charlie’s honor is among those scholarships.
The SCVTS Foundation also recognized and thanked their sponsors for supporting the event.
Platinum
DRBA
PSEG Nuclear
Gold
INSPIRA Health Network
Resources for Independent Living
Silver
B.R. Williams
Collaborative Support Programs of NJ
Deepwater Industries
Franklin Bank
Fulton Bank
Habitat for Humanity
Mannington Mills
Pennsville National Bank
R.E. Pierson Construction
Salem Community College
SMS Rails
Third Legislative District
Town and Country Golf Links
Bronze
Garrison Architects
M. Davis
New Road Construction
Nightlinger, Colavita & Volpa, P.A.
Salem County Office of the Sheriff
The Authority
Steve Warner
Patrons
Mark Edwards
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