The Rochester Area Community Foundation held its Philanthropy Awards and Annual Report to the Community Luncheon Wednesday.
People recognized for their philanthropy included Dr. Matthew Augustine, founder of the Urban League's Black Scholars Scholarship Endowment Program, Bob Sikes and his family -- long-time supporters of non-profits, Tom Argust, former Commissioner of Community Development for the city, and long-time volunteer organizer Linda Wells Davey of Pittsford.
She helped form the "Friends of WXXI" years ago, and says volunteer involvement gives life to an organization.
The Foundation also recognized the United Way with its Ames-Amzalak Award for Nonprofit Excellence, and the Feinbloom Supporting Foundation was honored for its 25-year partnership with the Community Foundation.
RACF President and CEO Jennifer Leonard says the Foundation reached a record high 302-million dollars in assets at the end of its fiscal year, raising 26-million dollars in contributions and gave away 21.5-million dollars in grants last year.
She says 75 percent of the Foundation's assets are now permanently endowed.
Leonard adds RACF is working on new initiatives to build an equitable community and strengthen the region's vitality.
This year's theme was "Living, Giving, Better Together."