by Patricia Glass, AFP National Philanthropy Day Chair
photos by Holly McFarlin
On November 14th, community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and supporters gathered at Willow Brook Country Club to celebrate 30 years of National Philanthropy Day in East Texas.
What began when Nancy Lamar introduced the observance through the East Texas Communities Foundation has become a tradition highlighting the generosity shaping our region in meaningful ways. Each year, the celebration offers a moment to honor the individuals and organizations whose philanthropy strengthens East Texas. This year’s gathering reflected the strength and collaboration that define the East Texas nonprofit community.
Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals East Texas Chapter, the 2025 luncheon honored individuals and organizations whose service and leadership embody the spirit of giving. Emcee Jay Ferguson, Head of School at Grace Community School, guided the program with humor and appreciation for the honorees. All in attendance were reminded that philanthropy is often steady and quiet, rooted in consistent efforts that create lasting impact. This year’s honorees show what becomes possible when a community chooses generosity.
Love Thy City Spark Award
The Spark Award, which recognizes emerging leaders energizing philanthropy, was presented to Love Thy City, a growing faith-driven movement focused on uplifting East Texans through practical support and community connection. Love Thy City centers its mission on a simple but powerful question: What can we do together that we cannot accomplish alone?
That vision was evident during Love Thy City Day 2025, a community event attended by more than 11,000 neighbors, including nearly 5,000 children and teens. 65 churches, 45 business partners, 64 nonprofit organizations, and volunteers united to provide food truck vouchers, shoe vouchers, electricity assistance, window air conditioning units, and college scholarships. Families are also connected with resources such as counseling, mentoring, and financial programs. Throughout the event, more than 542 individuals made faith decisions, an outcome Founder and CEO DeMarcus Pierson described as “eternity being altered in ways we cannot fully comprehend.” The award was presented by Jim Nipp, President of The Genesis Group and a Love Thy City board member.
Allie Lahourcade
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award was presented to Allie Lahourcade, whose leadership was vital in bringing Powering the Future, Discovery Science Place’s largest permanent exhibit in more than thirty years, to life. Allie has spent more than two decades supporting organizations focused on children, including CASA, Scottish Rite Hospital, Small Steps Nurturing Center, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of San Antonio. Allie believes access to quality early childhood education and resources is vital to a community’s success.
At Discovery Science Place, Allie collaborated with donors, experts, and staff to shape the exhibit’s vision. Her work helped achieve record-breaking fundraising and supported the creation of a space that teaches children how energy influences their lives. The exhibit, Powering the Future, in honor of the late Curtis Mewbourne, offers interactive experiences that inspire curiosity. Executive Director Carol Whiteside, who presented the award, shared that Allie strengthened every aspect of the project from vision to execution.
Marilyn Richey
Outstanding Philanthropist
The Outstanding Philanthropist Award was presented to Marilyn Richey, whose longstanding generosity has supported key institutions throughout East Texas. Marilyn has been a supporter of the UT Tyler Dementia Center, advancing caregiver support, education, and research for families affected by Alzheimer’s and related illnesses. She has also supported the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, reflecting her compassion for families navigating memory-related challenges.
Her giving extends into the arts community. Through her involvement with the Cowan Center Advisory Board, she helped enhance the venue and cultural programming. She also supports the Tyler Museum of Art, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, and UT Tyler art students through the Marilyn Richey Scholarship in Art. Her award was accepted by her son, Alan Richey, and presented by Patrick Willis, Executive Director of the Byers Family Foundation.
Barbara Bass
Special Recognition Award
The Special Recognition Award was presented to Barbara Bass, whose civic leadership and volunteer service have shaped Tyler in meaningful ways. A respected CPA for more than forty years and former Mayor of Tyler, Barbara has championed initiatives in healthcare, literacy, youth development, historic preservation, and economic progress. During the ceremony, presenter Zoe Lawhorn invited representatives from the many organizations Barbara has served to stand. By the end, nearly the entire room was on its feet, a testament to her influence.
To honor the thirtieth anniversary, Cause Creative produced a video reflecting the history of National Philanthropy Day and the promise of the next generation. Kyle Penney, president of East Texas Communities Foundation, noted that there is no better group than fundraisers to carry this tradition forward because they work closest with the donors whose generosity strengthens our community.
National Philanthropy Day is hosted by AFP East Texas and supported by a volunteer board and planning committee. As we look to the next thirty years, we do so with gratitude for the leaders who built this tradition, the honorees who continue it, and every person who chooses to give, serve, and lead. Philanthropy changes communities, and in East Texas, it continues to shape our future.
Outstanding Philanthropist
2025 – Marilyn Richey
2023 – Fred Smith
2022 – The Jasper Family
2019 – Dr. D.M. Edwards
2018 – Barbara Shtofman
2017 – Rosemary and Harold Beaird
2014 – Margaret and James Perkins
2013 – Peaches and Louis Owen
2003 – Anita Ray
2002 – Bruce and Peaches Brookshire
2001 – Frances Cowan Gibson
2000 – Louise and Joseph Z. Ornelas
1999 – Mary John Spence
1998 – Vernon and Amy Faulconer
1997 – Jack and Dorothy Fay White
1996 – Dr. and Mrs. Jim M. Vaughn
1995 – Mrs. W.C. Windsor
Outstanding Philanthropic Organization
2016 – Women’s Symphony League
2015 – Tyler ISD Student Body – JT/REL Pantry Raid
2014 – The Women’s Fund of Smith County
2003 – Top Ladies of Distinction
2002 – East Texas State Fair
2001 – Tyler Oilmen’s Benefit Association
2000 – Tyler Council of Churchwomen
1999 – Pilot Club of Tyler
1998 – Tyler Area Kiwanis Clubs
1997 – Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary
1996 – United Way of Smith County
1995 – Junior League of Tyler
Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation
2022 – Chick-fil-A of Tyler and Lindale
2021 – John Soules Foods, Inc.
2019 – Austin Bank
2018 – Express Employment Professionals
2017 – Merrill Lynch / The LMT Wealth Management Group
2016 – Henry & Peters, P.C.
2015 – Prothro, Wilhelmi & Company
2003 – Kelly-Springfield Tire and URW #746
2002 – Eastman Chemical Company
2001 – Tyler Morning Telegraph
2000 – RPR Construction
1999 – Southside Bank
1998 – Carrier Corporation
1997 – Southwestern Bell
1996 – The Trane Company
1995 – Brookshire Grocery Company
Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation
2024 – Louis & Peaches Owen Family Foundation
2023 – Hibbs Family Foundation
2021 – ETMC Foundation
2019 – East Texas Communities Foundation
2003 – The Ed and Mary Heath Foundation
2002 – ExxonMobil Foundation
2001 – Rogers Foundation
2000 – Genecov Foundations
1999 – Fourth Partner Foundation
1998 – Watson W. Wise Foundation
1997 – Meadows Foundation
1996 – R.W. Fair Foundation
1995 – D.K. Caldwell Foundation
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
2025 – Allie Lahourcade
2024 – Shannon Glenney
2018 – Jennifer Gaston
2016 – Mary Lauren Faulkner
2015 – Linda Rowe
2014 – Jennifer Carson
2003 – Eleanor Cameron
2002 – Norman Shtofman
2001 – Bill and Billie Hartley
2000 – Fritter McNally
1999 – Herb Buie
1998 – Verna Hall
1997 – Mrs. Willie Lee Campbell Glass
1996 – A.W. Riter, Jr.
1995 – C.C. Baker, Jr.
Special Recognition Award
2025 – Barbara Bass
2024 – Patrick Willis
2023 – Jennifer Carson
2022 – Marilyn Abegg-Glass
2019 – Dawn Franks
2013 – Jimmy Reynolds
2003 – Dr. Duane Andrews
2002 – Dr. David Nichols
2000 – Lori, Scott, and Grace Knight
Spark Award
2025 – Love Thy City
2024 – Dr. Kenoye K. Eke, Sr.
2023 – Peggy Berry
2021 – Callynth Finney/Tyler Street Team
2017 – Marty Wiggins
2013 – Ahnise Summers
2012 – Lisa and Michael Lujan
2011 – Sasha Vukelja
2010 – Fourth Partner Foundation
2008 – Vicki Harvey