The broad and diverse philanthropic giving of the Bear Family Foundation was highlighted during a National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony at Pensacola Beach last Friday.

The event was sponsored by the West Florida chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and emceed by Andrea Rosenbaum, director of advancement for the YMCA of Northwest Florida.

The local chapter also recognized two other individuals and one philanthropic organization for their contributions to the Pensacola community.

They were:

-- Pensacola banker Buzz Ritchie, named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.

-- Dr. Randall Williams, named Outstanding Fundraising Professional Williams (posthumously)

-- St. Ann Catholic Church, named Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation, Organization or Corporation.

Brendan Kelly, president of the University of West Florida Foundation, cited the Bear Family Foundation for its donations to the university.

The Bear Family Foundation recently presented UWF with a $1 million gift to support the UWF engineering department and supply chain logistics program.

"We're very grateful to the Bear family for everything they've done not only for UWF but for the Pensacola community as well," said Kelly.

Pensacola Children's Chorus Executive Director Mary Henriques told the audience of some 150 supporters the Bear Family Foundation's gifts have helped sponsor more than 500 scholarships that have allowed deserving children to participate in the artistic organization.

And the Rev. LuTimothy May, pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, said the Bear Family have underwritten scholarships for 90 students at the A.A. Dixon Charter School for Excellence in Pensacola.

In addition to the above donations, the Bear Family Foundation also supports Big Brothers Big Sisters, Creative Learning Academy, the PACE Center for Girls, and the African American Heritage Society.

Accepting the award for the foundation was Belle Bear and David Bear.

St. Ann was cited for its "work for social justice and to ensure the dignity of the individual person.

"They put this vision into action through volunteerism and financial resources raised through special offerings and outside fundraising activities," the citation read.

During 2014 the parish completed 20 Habitat for Humanity homes, donating $25,000 and 233 hours of volunteer labor. Parishioners also provided charitable support to Caring and Sharing Ministry of Santa Rosa County Catholic Charities, Our Lady of perpetual Health Mission in Peru and Loaves and Fishes.

Accepting the award for St. Ann was Monsignor Luke Hunt, pastor.

Ritchie was honored for his volunteer work as Event Chair for the 2013 Relay for Life of Pensacola event.

"Under his leadership, the event achieved its fundraising goal of raising more than $200,000 to help save more lives through the American Cancer Society," the citation read. "Ritchie opened doors in the community, leveraging support from his local sphere of influence."

Ritchie also has been instrumental as a volunteer fundraiser of organizations including Capstone Academy, the YMCA of Northwest Florida, the March of Dimes and Boy Scouts of America.

Williams, who died in January, was honored posthumously for his efforts to raise funds for UWF's foundation. Williams' wife, Mary Williams, accepted the award.

Under Williams' leadership, UWF's 20th anniversary campaign raised more than $32 million, an unprecedented accomplishment in our community, said past UWF president Morris Marx.

Williams also raised funds for the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition and St. Thomas Moore church while serving as a mentor to many other development professionals, the citation read.