AFP to honor area's outstanding volunteers Friday

Area volunteers are getting a chance to be recognized for their efforts.

The Ozarks Region chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is taking time today to honor those who give their time and effort to nonprofit organizations.

The annual AFP Philanthropy Day Celebration is today at Highland Springs Country Club, starting with a noon luncheon and awards ceremony.

The 2009 honorees:

• Ron and Lezah Stenger Family, Outstanding Philanthropists;

• Richard Dunn, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser;

• Dennis Shane Palmer, Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy;

• Clear Channel Communications, Outstanding Media Organization;

• dotDigital Studios, Outstanding Small Business;

• North Point Church, Outstanding Philanthropic Organization;

• Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Outstanding Foundation;

• Panera Bread, Outstanding Corporation;

• Rotary Mobile Food Pantry Program, Outstanding Philanthropic Project;

• Brent Dunn, Outstanding Fundraising Professional; and

• Nancy Cooper, Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation Child Advocate Award.

"By recognizing these individuals, organizations and businesses, we are letting the community know of the great value there is in philanthropy and the people in this community that it serves," said Julie Conway, 2009 AFP chapter president, in a news release. "These awards are given based on extraordinary efforts to impact the lives of others through education, health care, community resources like food banks and shelters, as well as the arts and other programs that make our region a wonderful place to live."