Local Philanthropist to be Honored

Tallahassee....Richard S. (Rick) Kearney, will be honored as the 2009 Philanthropist of the Year by the Big Bend Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for his generous and many personal and corporate philanthropic gifts to local charities and organizations.     

Mr. Kearney, President and CEO of Mainline Information Systems, founded Good News Outreach in 1986 and created The Beatitude Foundation in 2000, a gift giving fund providing assistance to an extensive list of charities serving the hungry, homeless and disadvantaged.  In addition, Mainline Information Systems continues to make generous contributions throughout the year to dozens of local schools and groups. 

"There are many local organizations that have benefited from Mr. Kearney's philanthropic generosity," noted Sally Weatherford, President of the Big Bend AFP Chapter. "He has demonstrated time and again, his heartfelt commitment to support philanthropy and keep the spirit of civic betterment alive and strong. His generosity is a lasting legacy to our community and serves as a shining example for all things possible."

The Award will be presented as part of National Philanthropy Day® at a luncheon on Thursday, November 12 at the University Center Club, hosted by the Big Bend Chapter of AFP.  National Philanthropy Day® is the day to pay tribute to the contributions philanthropy - and philanthropists - have made in local communities. Also to be honored at the luncheon will be the recipients of the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the Year, Outstanding Media Outlet/Personality, and Outstanding Fundraising Professional. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Awards luncheon by emailing the Big Bend AFP Chapter at afpbigbend@yahoo.com. Tickets are available for $50 per person at the same email address.  A list of past honorees and more information is available at the Chapter's web site, www.bigbendafp.org.    

National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy - and those people active in the philanthropic community - to the enrichment of our community. The Big Bend Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals enhances philanthropy and volunteerism, fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals, and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising community.