The Washington County Community Foundation, a 501(c) 3 charitable corporation, is concerned with the promotion and facilitation of local philanthropy. In its promotion of philanthropy, the Foundation believes that philanthropists should be encouraged, thanked, and recognized for their contributions to the Washington community.
The Foundation created the Philanthropist of the Year award in 1999. As part of the National Community Foundation Week celebration each November, a local philanthropist (individual or family) is honored for their exceptional generosity to the community. In addition to a dinner held in the recipient’s honor, a permanent named fund is created at the Foundation. The name and purpose of the fund is determined by the recipient. Prior Honorees include:
2007 - Genevieve Russell - Russell Family Fund
2006 - Charles and Carol Keller - Charles and Carol Keller Fund
2005- Melvin and Lillian Bassi - Bassi Family Fund
2004 - Joe Hardy - Joe Hardy Charitable Fund
2003 - Frank Sarris - Frank Sarris Charitable Fund
2002 - John L.S. Northrop and William B. Northrop - Northrop Family Fund
2001 - E. Ronald Salvitti, MD - Salvitti Family Fund
2000 - Thomas R. Milhollan - Thomas H. Milhollan Memorial Fund
1999 - Wilfred R. (Pete) Cameron - Diabetes Education Fund
Nominations for the award are encouraged utilizing this form. Criteria for the award are as follows:
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Demonstrated exceptional generosity and civic responsibility in providing financial support and leadership to a local non-profit cause |
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Helped to improve the quality of life in the Washington community through a commitment of leadership to a non-profit cause |
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By example encouraged and motivated others to support a philanthropic cause |
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Contributed significantly to other community efforts |
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Advanced philanthropy in general |
Although Trustees of the WCCF are not excluded from eligibility, the Foundation will first consider individuals or families that are not currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.