Community Leadership Awards: Someone’s courage can be an inspiration

Five years ago, when InvestmentNews decided to partner with the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation Inc. and the Community Leadership Awards program, I had no idea where the involvement would take us.

Today, I can’t help but reflect on how rewarding those five years have been and how far we have come.

Serving on the foundation’s board has been a privilege, giving me an unusual perspective on financial advisers, whose remarkable outpouring of time, energy and resources on behalf of those in need have affected thousands of people, if not more, in their own communities and around the world.

Everyone associated with the financial advisory business should be proud that so many advisers have given selflessly of themselves to improve the lives of others.

To recognize these outstanding contributions, the foundation created the Community Leadership Awards, which honor financial advisers — at brokerage firms and registered investment advisory firms of all sizes — for their roles as leaders and volunteers in charitable organizations in their communities.

The awards pay tribute to the philanthropic spirit of advisers by recognizing them for their dedication and the lasting impact of their efforts. The CLAs help recognize the good in the financial advisory business that often receives little attention or notice.

My experience with the foundation has taught me how essential it is to support charities in our local and national communities. Since I’m sure that each of us feels especially moved by at least one or two such charities, let me tell you about an unexpected source of inspiration I discovered while attending an industry event.

About 18 months ago, I met Lon Dolbar, who is CEO, CIO and president of American Portfolios Holdings Inc. When we chatted, I discovered Lon’s passion and support for a charity called World Team Sports, which brings together, as athletes, people of all cultures, with and without disabilities, to accomplish goals beyond what is thought possible.

Lon graciously invited me to a WTS dinner event, where I had the pleasure of meeting a very special guest, Chris “Frosty” Frost, a technical sergeant in the Air Force.

This courageous young man, who proudly serves with the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, lost both legs while serving our country in Iraq. At the dinner, he challenged attendees to help members of the military — those on active duty, veterans and the disabled — by joining him and other servicemen and women in the annual Face of America Bike Ride.

This two-day event (April 16-17) is a 110-mile bicycle ride from Washington to Gettysburg, Pa.

I haven’t been on a bike in about 10 years, let alone pedaled 110 miles in two days, but Lon’s enthusiasm and Frosty’s courage moved me to sign up and participate.

I will be dedicating the ride to my father, who served in the Army during World War II and the Korean War. He passed away three years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and how much he inspired me.

As I huff and puff up and down the Maryland and Pennsylvania hills, I know I will be thinking of the much greater struggles faced by my father and all the brave men and women who serve our nation today.

While meeting Lon and Frosty triggered my participation in the bike ride, I can say safely that having served as a judge for the CLAs set the stage for making my decision.

Each year, the other judges and I review hundreds of nominations from advisers who have made volunteering, mentoring and other charitable efforts a big part of their everyday lives.

I invite you to take part in the 2011 Community Leadership Awards by submitting a nomination. If you know a financial adviser who has dedicated his or her time and energy to improving the community and to making a difference in the lives of others, we want to know about it.

Award finalists will be recognized at the annual Community Leadership Awards dinner in New York on Sept. 14. For detailed information about this year’s CLAs, please visit InvestmentNews.com/communityawards.
Suzanne Siracuse is the publisher of InvestmentNews.