It was a Who's Who of civic leaders that packed the ballroom of the Hilton Americas-Houston for the 26th annual National Philanthropy Awards Day Luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
As many as 1,000 movers and shakers, business leaders, philanthropists and fundraising pros made for a record event that raised more than $210,000 for scholarship and educational programs.
At the top of the ladder were the days honorees beginning with Anne and Charles Duncan, who received the prestigious Maurice Hirsch Award for Philanthropy.
They were joined in the spotlight by Jim Crownover named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Jeff Hildebrand accepting the Houston Business Journal's Outstanding Corporation (large) award on behalf of his company Hilcorp Energy Co. and Scotty Arnoldy accepting HBJ's Outstanding Corporation (small) on behalf of his company Triten Corp.
The Welch Foundation was recognized with the Outstanding Foundation award, accepted by board member Beth Robertson. KPRC, represented by general manager Jerry Martin, received Outstanding Media honors. Other awards were presented for various fundraising programs.
The luncheon was chaired by Christi Parker, chief development officer of Genesys Works, with Amelia Ribnick Kleiman and Thom Sloan serving as co-chairs. Continuing the heavy-hitter contingent involved were honorary chairs Linda McReynolds, Cora Sue and Harry Mach.
The impressive crowd included Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Carol and Mike Linn, Rice University president David Leebron and wife Y. Ping Sun, Cyndy Garza Roberts, Joella and Steve Mach, Jana Arnoldy, Susan Hansen, Pat Breen, Randa and Charles Williams and Sean Hammerle, Houston AFP chapter president.
Receiving special thanks for her company's participation was Joni Baird, manager of policy government and public affairs for Chevron, premier luncheon sponsor.
