Six honored at Philanthrophy Awards Luncheon
The spirit of giving was in the air.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Las Vegas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosted its 21st annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon at the Golden Nugget to honor six people for their service and commitment to the Las Vegas community.
Event co-chairman Charlie Guida, who is also the president of the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, described the winners as "six people who make such an impact and who really are leaders in the community, who set an example for others to follow."
"I think the awards are very important for the community. It's our opportunity to recognize individuals," Guida said.
Recipients of the 2012 Philanthropy Awards are:
■ Ted and Doris Lee for Outstanding Philanthropist.
■ Pastor Marta Poling-Goldenne for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.
■ Cox Communications and Steve Schorr for Outstanding Corporate/Foundation,
■ Barbara Wood for Outstanding Fundraising Professional.
■ Ciera Cypert for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.
■ Ann McGee for the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.
"The individuals who are receiving these awards are really the stars of the day," Guida said.
There is a story behind each "star" award recipient.
The Lees came to Las Vegas in 1971 and since have supported community projects. In 2001, they established the first endowed professorship in law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Boyd School of Law. And, their donations to the College of Business were so generous the college was renamed as the Lee College of Business at UNLV.
As pastor of New Song Lutheran Church, Poling-Goldenne has organized concerts, luncheons and a wine tasting event that raised more than $20,000.
On the corporate side of life, Cox Communications stands out. Led by Schorr's philanthropic efforts, the company gives almost $1.6 million dollars each year in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations.
As an individual fundraiser, Wood has raised more than $8.2 million for three nonprofits. In 1999 she became a professional fundraiser and also has led about 50 events in the state and volunteered with 16 different groups.
Cypert works as a student leader, active alumna and program ambassador for the We R Community program, a student-led volunteerism and service learning initiative of the Public Education Foundation. Through the group, Cypert has helped students at a local elementary school carnival and volunteered for local organizations.
As the founder of Miracle Flights for Kids, McGee has taken many people to new heights. Her organization has flown 73,000 free flights for those in need and is the largest nonprofit flight organization in America.
"Every day, (the community) can make an impact by getting involved, donating if they can, their time their talent and their treasure," Guida said.
Contact reporter Laura Carroll at
lcarroll@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.
