The Columbus Area Philanthropy Council, an association of 12 area non-profit organizations focused on the development of a Culture of Giving, have chosen their annual award winners.
The Distinguished Philanthropist Award is to honor and promote significant financial giving (cash, trust, gift of grain, livestock, land, etc.) to the community and the encouragement of others in their financial giving endeavors. And the 2020 entity awarded for their gift of livestock to the Columbus Area Future Fund and encouragement of philanthropy in the Columbus area is Pillen Family Farms.
Rick Chochon, Chair of the Columbus Area Future Fund, notes why the Fund felt strongly about nominating Pillen Family Farms for the award: “The Pillens not only stepped up to make a lead gift in our “Toward a Bold Future” campaign, but they were so invested in CAFF’s work that they agreed to be involved in our Campaign Committee. They also see the critical need to give philanthropically for the future of their community, and they don’t shy away from encouraging others to give.”
The Philanthropy Legacy Award is to promote giving to the community and to encourage others in ways to give. And the individual awarded for their exceptional dedication, service and support to the Platte County Historical Society is Lyle Ernst.
The Historical Society had this to say about Lyle and his legacy: “The Society was Lyle’s “baby”. He served on the Board of Directors for years, serving as president for many of those. He spearheaded the project to construct the west building in 2003 and lead the fundraising efforts. Lyle announced to the board he found an anonymous donor to contribute $75,000 to the project if the society would match the gift. And it turned out that Lyle was that anonymous donor.”
The Columbus Area Future Fund and all the non-profits of the Columbus Area Philanthropy Council sincerely congratulate each of these winners. They along with all the nominees are shining examples of what philanthropy and dedication to their community is all about.