The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is hosting its 2015 Annual Luncheon on Tue., June 2, at the Hilton Vancouver.
The event will begin with some social time before transitioning into the lunch and awards presentation from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Tickets to the non-fundraising event are $50 per guest and are available for purchase online at www.cfsww.org or by calling (360) 694-2550.
The awards ceremony will honor Bob and Sharon Lewis, the 2015 Philanthropists of the Year, for their transformational financial contributions and community service. In addition, local law office Pabst Holland & Reynolds, PLLC will receive the Friend of the Foundation award in recognition of the firm's professional support in promoting philanthropy throughout southwest Washington. David and Diane Difford will also receive a Lifetime of Giving Award to acknowledge the noteworthy, long-term investments the couple has made in community philanthropy.
This year's program will feature a keynote by Lynda Coates, a speaker and trainer with Communication Across Barriers, a national consulting firm that works to improve opportunities for people in poverty. She was born into poverty and homelessness herself and became the first person in her family to graduate from high school. With the help of mentors and resources, Lynda was able to further her education and earn a Master's Degree in communications.
In addition, the program will explore the many ways individuals and organizations can go beyond giving to create greater impact in the community. Gold-level sponsors Leslie Durst, Heritage Bank, the Patricia & David Nierenberg Family Fund and Vancouver Energy have provided generous support for the event, which is widely regarded as southwest Washington's premier annual celebration of philanthropy.
