There was a time our beloved city was, on a per-capita basis, the most philanthropic metropolis in North America. It may well be years before we can boast such largesse — if ever again. However, we can still be fiercely proud of the fact Calgarians are a generous lot. Sure, the economic downturn has taken a nasty toll on many not-for-profits, arts organizations and the like, but thanks to the resolve of those who subscribe to the ‘giving is living ’ mantra, philanthropy is alive and well — albeit on life support.
National Philanthropy Day is the perfect opportunity to salute those who give so generously of their time, treasure and talent. Each year, the Calgary and area chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) marks National Philanthropy Day by honouring individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The Generosity of Spirit Awards is the vehicle the AFP uses to honour those who represent the diversity and breadth of Calgary’s philanthropic spirit.
A select group of guests gathered in Rotary House at Stampede Park recently for the Award presentations which were followed by a large reception in the Big Four Roadhouse. Heartfelt congratulations to the 2018 honourees: Tom and Debra Mauro — Lifetime Achievement Philanthropic Award; TELUS — Corporate Philanthropic Award; Supreme Menswear — Small Business Philanthropic Award; Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) — Philanthropic Group Award; Evan Hazell — Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropic Award; Alan and Shelly Norris — United Way of Calgary & Area Philanthropic Family Award; and Tina Guo — RBC Youth Philanthropic Award.
Individual award recipients, representatives from corporations honoured and others in attendance are pictured.
PHOTOS: BILL BROOKS
Pictured, from left, at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are Association of Fundraising Professionals president elect Marni Halwas, past president Wayne Steer and president Catherine Chrumka. The awards coincided with National Philanthropy Day.
Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are Alan and Shelly Norris, recipients of the 2018 United Way of Calgary & Area Philanthropic Family Award.
From left, Children’s Hospital Aid Society’s (CHAS) Dianne Ferguson, Patricia Rossiter and Geri Moon have reason to smile as CHAS was chosen for the Philanthropic Group Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards held Nov 14. at Rotary House at Stampede Park.
Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are BMO’s Stephanie Potter and emcee CBC’s Angela Knight. BMO was the presenting sponsor of the awards.
U of C medical student Tina Guo was honoured with the RBC Youth Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards. Guo’s riveting thank-you speech garnered a lengthy standing ovation from guests.
From left, co-chairs of the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are Michele Chiasson-Suart, Amy Hurst and Jackie Lewis.
Darren Biedermann and his company Supreme Men’s Wear were honoured with the Small Business Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards on Nov. 14.
Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards at Rotary House are Evan Hazell, recipient of the Doc Seaman Individual Philanthropic Award and his wife, Calgary Opera board chair Jackie Pyke.
Pictured at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards are TELUS’ Navin Arora and Christi Cruz. TELUS was the recipient of the Corporate Philanthropic Award.
Tom and Debra Mauro were presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Philanthropic Award at the 2018 Generosity of Spirit Awards held Nov. 14.