Honoring advisers who invest in others

For the sixth consecutive year, InvestmentNews has the privilege of partnering with the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation to help judge and support the Community Leadership Awards.

The CLAs were created to recognize financial advisers from brokerage firms and registered investment advisory firms of all sizes for their roles as leaders and active volunteers in charitable organizations in their communities.

The awards pay tribute to the advisers’ philanthropic spirit by honoring them for their dedication to their communities and the lasting impact of their efforts.

I have been a judge in this competition for five years and can honestly say the stories emerging from the judging process are more inspirational each year. After reading hundreds of stories of advisers who give their time, energy and resources without seeking anything in return, all the judges — volunteer industry executives and key InvestmentNews staff members — share my sense of humility and appreciation.

“The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation created the Community Leadership Awards to recognize the philanthropic efforts of advisers throughout the industry,” said Kandis Bates, the foundation’s president.

“The overwhelming support for this event has enabled Invest in Others to support local charities across the country and in many parts of the world,” she said. “Each year, this event is a heartfelt reminder of the care and commitment financial advisers have for their local communities.”

This year’s award competition features five categories.

The Volunteer Team Award will be presented to a team of advisers and office staff members for their collective involvement as volunteers for a charity in their community.

The Global Community Impact Award will be presented to an adviser who has actively served as a volunteer with a charity whose primary mission is to help those who live outside the United States.

MANAGERS, MENTORS

The Community Service Award will be presented to an adviser who has made managerial contributions to a local nonprofit organization, as a fundraiser, organizer, board member or other executive position.

The Mentoring Excellence Award will be given to an adviser who has actively mentored a young adult and has demonstrated qualities as a role model and a champion for youth in his or her community.

The Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to an adviser who has actively served as a volunteer at one or more local nonprofit organizations and made a contribution considered to have had a lasting impact.

Three finalists and eventually one honoree are chosen in each category.

The Invest in Others Charitable Foundation will make a donation of $20,000 to each honoree’s designated charity. A $5,000 donation also will be made to each of the finalists’ charities.

Selecting finalists from the hundreds of nominations isn’t easy. However, as in any other type of competition, there are those whose accomplishments will stand out.

The judges evaluate each entry based on the person’s ability to motivate and inspire others to accomplish a specific goal or objective. Judges also look for an ability to inspire other people to volunteer their personal time.

Entrants are also recognized for their efforts to create an indelible influence on other volunteers and in the community. Judges look for entrants who are recognized by others for their efforts in achieving the results desired through their courage and enthusiasm.

An awards dinner will be held Sept. 13 at Cipriani in New York.

If you know advisers who aremaking a difference in their communities, I urge you to share their stories by submitting a nomination form.

Visit investinothers.org for detailed information about this year’s Community Leadership Awards.

Jim Pavia is the editor of –InvestmentNews.

Related Topics: ING Group, Just Thinking