November 18, 2019–South Yarmouth, MA–The Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands today announced the recipients of the 2019 Distinguished Service to Philanthropy Awards. Awards in four categories—Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Business, Outstanding Youth Organization and Outstanding Philanthropist─ will be presented during a ceremony at the 23rd Annual Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod, Tuesday, November 19 at The Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis.
Mashpee resident Mary LeClair is the 2019 Outstanding Volunteer. LeClair has been at the helm of many non-profit organizations for decades, including Gosnold on Cape Cod where she chaired the board of directors and volunteered at Gosnold’s Emerson House for women for 27 years. She also chaired the board of Mashpee Public Library where she served as board president. In addition, LeClair has volunteered for nearly 20 other nonprofits, often lending financial guidance she gained in professional capacities as a Barnstable County official. An inspiring and passionate leader, LeClair is lauded for her willingness to roll up her sleeves and do whatever is needed to make a positive difference.
The Wareham High School Key Club is the 2019 Outstanding Youth Organization. In partnership with their local Kiwanis Club, the 52-member student-led organization encourages leadership through serving others. The club collectively logged 3,221 community service hours in the past year, an average of 62 hours per member. Service events have included a trick or treat for UNICEF, a Veteran’s Day lunch for local veterans, a sponsored litter clean-up of a particularly challenging Wareham avenue, a collection of donations for pediatric patients, and the sponsorship of three children from the Department of Children and Families over the holidays, among many other initiatives. The Key Club has also raised funds to bolster Kiwanis Club of Bourne-Wareham fundraisers. As high school students, the Key Club members are also inspiring Wareham middle school students via a new Kiwanis Builders Club founded to encourage community service from that younger age group.
RPM Carpets & Floor Coverings of East Harwich is the 2019 Outstanding Business/Organization. As a locally-owned small business, RPM has given back to the community for nearly three decades. Co-owned and managed by husband and wife team Rick and Donna Morris, RPM has donated thousands of dollars in sponsorships and in-kind product and services to worthy nonprofits across the region. In addition, the Morrises are personally involved in the charities they support, volunteering their precious and limited time while running a successful business. Donna Morris has served as past chair of the Cape & Island United Way board of directors. Rick Morris serves on the board of WE CAN and has co-chaired the organization’s wildly popular “A Day of Words, Wit and Wisdom” fundraising event. Together, Rick and Donna are seen at many charity events, and are regarded as a “dream team” by those they support under the RPM umbrella.
Brewster residents Trish and Tom Kennedy are being recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Philanthropists. As successful entrepreneurs and business owners who live on Cape Cod, Trish and Tom have been involved in organizations that have resonated with their desire to improve the quality of life for their neighbors and community. Most recently, they made a pledge of $1,000,000 to Outer Cape Health Services’ capital campaign toward the opening of a new community health center in Harwich Port. The transformational gift was the largest ever received by Outer Cape Health Services. The Kennedys have also been stalwart supporters of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance for nearly a decade where they have given on all levels including their time and resources. The couple has also been generous with corporate event sponsorships and the donation of unique auction items to many nonprofits. Stated by one grateful nonprofit, “when the Kennedys are involved, they bring great energy and excitement to the causes they support.”
More about Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands
The purpose of Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands (PPCI) is to encourage charitable giving; promote cooperation and foster a better understanding among professional charitable gift planners; and further the education and capabilities of its members, the professional community and the general public in all aspects of development including charitable gift planning. Governed and operated by an-all-volunteer, community-based board of directors, Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands is a local chapter of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. PPCI annually presents Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod, slated for November 19, 2019. Learn more at www.capecodgiving.org
