Annual awards ceremony honors philanthropic work

The philanthropic endeavors of myriad individuals and organizations were on display this week during an awards event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Ozarks Region Chapter.

Nine awards were presented during the National Philanthropy Day event on Nov. 18, according to a news release. The event was held at DoubleTree by Hilton.

Officials with AFP said in the release that the awards recognize "outstanding leaders whose generosity, advocacy and professional excellence uplift the Ozarks." The nationwide AFP represents some 31,000 members across 240 chapters.

The award recipients at this week's event are as follows:
• Foundation of the Year: Hatch Foundation
• Fundraising Professional of the Year: Whitney Williams, Legal Services of Southwest Missouri
• Fundraising Rising Star of the Year: Samantha Whittaker, Nixa Education Foundation
• Philanthropic Business of the Year: Vital Farms Inc.
• Fundraising Event of the Year: Care to Learn School Soiree
• Philanthropist of the Year: Robyn Yost, Mercy
• Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year: Vanessa Scavuzzo, CASA of Southwest Missouri
• Ozarks Health Advocacy Foundation Child Health Advocate of the Year: Tranna S. Shaughnessy, Diaper Bank of the Ozarks
• Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. Humanitarian of the Year: Stephanie Stenger