2010 Honorees

Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year:  Dorothy D. Vanek
Dorothy Vanek has been actively involved in numerous philanthropic activities and has also demonstrated financial leadership on behalf of many organizations in the Tucson region. Her philanthropic contributions, volunteer time, leadership, and vision have made a significant and lasting impact in our community.

Outstanding Corporate or Foundation Philanthropist:  Brown Family Foundation
The Brown Family Foundation consists of the Thomas R. Brown Foundation, which is a private operating foundation and the Thomas R. Brown Family Foundation, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. The Foundation has been dedicated to advancing education in the state of Arizona and ensuring a high quality of life for all Arizona citizens. They largely support the University of Arizona and their significant and strategic investments benefit the faculty and students at the UA College of Science, Eller College of Management and College of Engineering.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser:  Tucson Conquistadores
Founded in 1962, The Tucson Conquistadores continue their mission by providing financial support for youth and amateur sports groups throughout the community. The Conquistadores have a long list of organizations that their volunteer membership works hard to support through community wide events like Accenture Match Play. The hard work and dedication of this group of individuals has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of many youth in Tucson.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional:  Pauline Hechler, CFRE
Pauline Hechler, CFRE is Vice President for Development at the Community Food Bank in Tucson. She has increased development revenues at the Food Bank in terms of contributions, grants and government funding. Her service in the community includes serving as Secretary of the Board for The Rotary Club of Tucson (her second term), the Planned Giving Roundtable board, and Arizona Town Hall. She is also a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She received her Certified Fund Raising Executive certification in 2006, which only about 20% of AFP members achieve.

Outstanding Youth Philanthropist(s): Salpointe Catholic High School 2009-10 Varsity Football Team
The Salpointe Catholic High School 2009-10 Varsity Football team, led by Coach Dennis Bene has demonstrated the desire to make a positive difference in the Tucson community. From that desire came the idea of Games for the Greater Good, which is a non- profit awareness project. The project included summer-long community service projects for team members that culminated in each home game of the 2009 season being dedicated to the five different causes of their choice. Lancer athletes provided service to each of the selected organizations with hands-on volunteerism; student leaders organized drives and collections to support each charity.