Yesterday was an amazing day. Dee and I accepted, for Village Books, the 2008 Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business Award for Washington State. The ballroom at Seattle's Sheraton Hotel was packed with about 1200 people who came to celebrate National Philanthropy Day. The Association of Fundraising Professionals gives annual awards in seven categories--individual philanthropists, corporation, foundation, family, organization, young philanthropist and, our category, small business. There were many touching moments during the presentations. The positive atmosphere in the room was a great antidote to the constant barrage of bad news of late. Especially uplifting and hope inspiring was the award given to Anders Crabo and Colin Flynn, now college freshmen, who as Sehome High seniors raised more than $14,000 and created a youth philanthropy fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation. Isn't it great, young people teaching other young people about the importance of philanthropy? There were about 60 folks from Whatcom County in the audience which reminds me how thankful we are to everyone who has supported our vision of building community, one book at a time.
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