On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, nearly five hundred philanthropists and development professionals gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center for the annual Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) National Philanthropy Day Luncheon.

For the first time, the event committee had honorary event chairs: Sandra and Levine. Lauded for all of their philanthropic efforts, they were singled out for their role in the Critical Needs Response Fund administered by the Foundation for The Carolinas - an effort to reach needy people during tough economic times.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation was the lead sponsor again this year.

Awards were as follows:

• Outstanding Champion of Diversity: Deborah Whitfield;
• Outstanding Student Philanthropy:Johnson & Wales University Student Alumni Association;
• Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist: Marc Gustafson;
• Outstanding Legacy: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Barber;
• Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business: Merriman Schmitt Architects;
• Outstanding Philanthropic Organization: Women’s Impact Fund;
• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Elaine Lyerly;
• Outstanding Professional Fundraising Executive: E.J. Underwood and
• Outstanding Philanthropist: Nicholas T. Goudes.