Each November the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Treasure Coast Chapter has the privilege to recognize the outstanding philanthropic contributions of individuals and businesses throughout Martin and St. Lucie Counties during the National Philanthropy Day® celebration. The NPD awards luncheon, presented by Comerica Bank, will be held on Friday, November 20 at Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Palm City at 11:15 a.m.

Comerica Bank is also pleased to host a pre-event reception to honor all of the award nominees. This reception will be held 5:00- 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5 at the Comerica Bank in Stuart (800 SE Monterey Commons Blvd. Suite 102.)

And the nominees are...

President's Award, sponsored by Jack and CeeJay Heckenberg, is awarded by the entire judging committee to the honoree with the highest combined score of all nominees.

Outstanding Individual Philanthropist, sponsored by US Trust, is awarded to an individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in our community. The nominees are Peter and Caroline Pauley, Edwin and Iris Arnowitt, Patricia and Douglass Stewart, and Paul Shirley.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser is awarded to an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills in coordinating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects of more than one nonprofit organization. The recipient demonstrates skill in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable institutions and a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy. The nominees are Scott Baratta, Sheriff Ken Mascara, Diamond Litty, Eileen Morris and Harriet McGriff.

Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist, sponsored by Seacoast National Bank, is awarded to a business of 25 employees or more that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. The nominees are Bank of America, Gulfstream Business Bank, QVC and Eventmakers International.

Outstanding Small Business, sponsored by Martin Memorial Foundation, is awarded to a business with less than 25 employees that demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. The nominees are Tara Biek Creative, Elite Electric and Scott VanDuzer.

Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy, sponsored by Florida Power & Light, is awarded to a group of individuals united to support a nonprofit organization's philanthropic efforts. This voluntary association exemplifies selflessness and service through volunteer hours and direct philanthropic support. The nominees are Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club, Hobe Sound Community Chest, The Pilot Club of Fort Pierce, Royal Palms, 100 Years of Cars Committee and Realtor Association of Martin County.

Unsung Hero of the Year, sponsored by United Way of St. Lucie County, is awarded to an individual or organization that participates behind the scenes in donating volunteer time and/or materials, encouraging philanthropy for the organization and is truly dedicated to the cause of the nonprofit that benefits from their attention. The nominees are Kathy "Max" Adair, Judy Rosenthal, Doris Christensen, Betty Mulligan, Judy Weber, Karen L'Hereaux, Sally Batz, Harry McArthur and Dr. Shamsher Singh.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, sponsored by Wal-Mart Distribution Center #7038, is awarded to an individual under the age of 18 who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the welfare of others through dedicating and/or soliciting financial support for the work of a nonprofit organization.

Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy, sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities, is awarded to a group of individuals under the age of 18 united to support nonprofit organization's philanthropic efforts. This voluntary association exemplifies selflessness and services through volunteer hours and direct philanthropic support.

Leave A Legacy ® Award, presented by Treasure Coast Planned Giving Council, is awarded to an individual or couple who has made a gift through a bequest or their estate plan that benefits the local community.

All 31 of the nominees will be recognized at the pre-event reception on November 5. To RSVP to the pre-event please contact Ellen at 772-223-3807.