Awards for the giving

On Nov. 19 their work will be acknowledged, their awards will be given, and theyll take humble honor in what theyve achieved.

But the Sewell Family of Dealerships, Bryan Heflin and the other local award winners for National Philanthropy Day wont stop. Theyll continue to give.

Local honorees of National Philanthropy Day are chosen by Permian Basin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The philanthropists are honored for their involvement and donations in community organizations. The 16th annual National Philanthropist Day luncheon is scheduled 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Midland Country Club. Tickets are $35 and are not available for purchase at the door. The deadline for purchase is Nov. 10.

People appreciate things that others do, Heflin, a Monahans resident, said. Im thrilled to be honored and recognized.

Colin Sewell said he is humbled by his familys award. The actions of involvement and giving back to the community runs deep.

Its a value my familys possessed, he said. Were absolutely honored to be recognized.

Heflin has been involved with the Ward County Endowment, a program that provides for educational scholarships. However, giving back is something Heflins been doing his whole life and to change that routine now wouldnt be the same. The last thing he was ever thinking about was an award for his work.

When you participate in activities, he said, you never (think) of an award for that.

For the Sewell family, anything that involves children is something Colin Sewell said is great to be a part of.

Kids are our future, Sewell said. Generational difference makers.

HONOREE BIOS
   >> Rosalind Redfern Grover — Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy. Grover has served on numerous boards and committees and taken on leadership roles in many successful fundraising campaigns.
   >> Bryan Heflin — Outstanding Philanthropist. Heflin lives and works in Monahans and is co-owner of Best Made Designs. He helped found the Ward County Endowment and in 2008 the Endowment granted scholarships to eight Ward County graduates and provided funds for six local projects.
   >> Sewell Family of Dealerships — Outstanding Philanthropic Business. The family and their companies give generously to many charities and nonprofits. Community organizations benefiting include: Safe Place of the Permian Basin, The Ellen Noï¿«l Art Museum, United Way of Odessa, Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center, High Sky Children’s Ranch, Harmony Home and The Education Foundation of Odessa.
   >> Mark Nicholas — Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. Nicholas has been involved with Leadership Midland, served on the Parks and Recreation Board and developed international business relationships to help diversify the local economy.
   >> Christian Cole Malone — Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy. She organized a Spirit Club to raise money for scholarships to school-sponsored events that others might not be able to afford.
   >> Sandra Tisdale — Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Tisdale was a founding board member of The Aphasia Center of West Texas and has been involved with The Nonprofit Management Center since its inception.