Nonprofit Connect, a membership organization that provides education, resources and networking so Kansas City nonprofits can more effectively achieve their missions, has announced the individuals and companies the community will honor at the 29th Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown – Muehlebach Tower, 2345 McGee S., Kansas City, MO.
Honorees include:
Business Philanthropist of the Year
- McCownGordon Construction
Pat McCown and Brett Gordon started McCownGordon Construction in 1999 knowing that they would be giving ten percent of profits and significant amounts of time back to the community. Encouraging their employees to do the same with financial support and time off, McCownGordon, made more than 70 gifts to nonprofits in 2012.
Philanthropists of the Year
- Betty C. and Thomas M. Scott
Betty and Tom Scott were nominated by Wayside Waifs, for all they have done for their organization. The Scotts have touched many organizations with their generosity including University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Business, United Way of Greater Kansas City, and many arts, education and health related foundations and organizations.
Volunteer of the Year
- Eugene R. Wilson
Gene Wilson had significant volunteer commitments even before he retired from the Kauffman Foundation in 2003. Since then, he's forged an "encore career" devoting his considerable professional and leadership experience to important causes and strengthening the capacity of organizations that further them. Gene is a leading voice in the Kansas City region's efforts to address the needs of our rapidly growing senior population.
Nonprofit Professional of the Year
- Hilda Fuentes
Hilda Fuentes joined Samuel U. Rodgers as CEO in September 2005, and led a successful $25.5 million dollar capital campaign, helping to provide top notch services to more than 21,000 low-income and uninsured patients.
With more than 1,000 attending every year, the Philanthropy Awards Luncheon is Kansas City’s oldest and largest celebration of giving. There, in addition to honoring individuals and companies for decades of extraordinary generosity and service to community Nonprofit Connect also recognizes “Rising Stars of Philanthropy” who carry forward this important work.
These are individuals who have been involved in advanced nonprofit service for 10 years or less and lead philanthropy and volunteerism in new and creative directions.
The Class of 2013 includes:
- Laura Eickman, Psy.D
- Katie Hall
- Hayley Hanson
- Deliece and Brian Hofen
- Jennifer Ingraham
- Tim McCoy
- Courtney Thomas
- W. Hunter Wolback
The Philanthropy Awards Luncheon is Nonprofit Connect’s only fundraising event. It was ranked by The Independent magazine as one of Kansas City’s “Top Five Fundraising Luncheons” in 2011 and Honorable Mention in 2012. Participants come from all sectors of the nonprofit community, including health, education, human services, arts and culture, environment and animals, international affairs, religion and public society benefit.
- Nonprofit Connect, founded in 1975, links the nonprofit community to education, resources and networking so organizations can more effectively achieve their missions.
The Chairs of the 2013 Philanthropy Awards Luncheon are Jeffrey D. Byrne and Clyde and Katie Wendel. For information about the Luncheon, including tickets and sponsorships, please contact Luann Feehan at 816-888-5601 or lfeehan@npconnect.org or visit www.npconnect.org.
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