Area philanthropists honored for generosity

Philanthropy is "a desire to help mankind especially as shown by gifts to charitable or humanitarian institutions," according to Webster's New World Dictionary. That says it all about so many generous people in the area who have made a difference in people's lives by giving of their time, talent, and money. Their reward is the good feeling of helping others.

Across the nation today, community movers and shakers are taking time out of their schedules to celebrate National Philanthropy Day.

Marion Knight and her late husband, Edward, pictured here in 2002, received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

Toledo area folks are meeting at the Franciscan Theatre and Conference Center of Lourdes College for the 17th annual "Change the World with a Giving Heart" luncheon. The celebration is presented by the Northwest Ohio Association of Fundraising Professionals in partnership with Leave a Legacy of Northwest Ohio.

Among the guests to be honored today are Marion Knight and her late husband, Edward Knight, who were given the Outstanding Philanthropist Award by Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Planned Parenthood of Northwest Ohio.

Jim Murray, regional president of Toledo Edison, was nominated by Bay Park Community Hospital for the Outstanding Volunteer Fund-raising Award, and Owens Illinois was nominated by Bowling Green State University for the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award.

The day starts off with the third annual National Philanthropy Day Companion Seminar, "Inspired Visions for Fundraising Professionals," which includes two meetings to discuss attitudes and awareness related to planned giving and how to use survey results to raise funds and enhance the meaning of giving for the benefactor.

Among the more than 300 guests expected at the luncheon are Association of Fundraising Professionals president Aly Sterling and immediate past president Michael Marsh, Leave a Legacy president Sandy Adam, event chairman Mary Price, Mrs. Knight's daughter, Lynn McAtee of Palm Beach, Fla., and emcees Chrys Peterson and Jerry Anderson of WTOL-TV Channel 11.

Congratulations to all who give back to the community.

Barbara Hendel is The Blade's society editor.

Contact her at: bhendel@theblade.com

or 419-724-6124.