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| Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman told a sold-out crowd at the second annual "Giving from the Heart" Southern Indiana Women in Philanthropy Regional Celebration at the Caesars Indiana Colosseum Saturday morning that she has encountered countless Hoosiers with a giving spirit. "Their stories are very inspiring," said Skillman, the event's keynote speaker. "I am continually reminded that our state is a much richer community" because of their willingness to get involved. "The thousands of people I have met all share a common trait: None of them believe they are doing big things," she said. But they are, Skillman said. They're special people who are giving of themselves to improve the lives of others, she said. Six of those special people were honored at Saturday's brunch — attended by 500 people, 100 more than last year — as a 2006 Women Philanthropists of the Year. The event, hosted by the community foundations for Harrison, Crawford, Orange and Washington counties, as well as the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (which serves Floyd, Clark and Harrison counties) honored one woman from each of the counties. Carolyn Sue Sanders of Harrison County and Bonnie Powers of Crawford County were among those honored. Sitting on stage with a representative of their home county's foundation, the women were introduced by WHAS-TV anchor and mistress of ceremonies Melissa Swan. They then were pinned with a Swarovski-designed crystal heart brooch donated by Bob and Jean Caesar, owners of J.O. Endris Jewelers in New Albany. As the women were introduced, Swan read an impressive list of accomplishments for each. Sanders and her husband, Carlton, recently received the 2006 Indiana University Southeast Chancellor's Medallion. She is a current member of the IUS School of Business Alumni Advisory Council, which offers advice and support to the School of Business. "A generous heart prompted Sanders to help create IU Southeast's first endowed chair in the School of Business," Swan said. "She remains devoted to higher education through contributing to scholarship funds to help students continue and finish college." Sanders has also served on and supported the IU Foundation's Arbutus Society and the IU President's Circle. She is also a member of the Metro United Way Red Feather Society, has made contributions to Metro United Way at the Leadership Level for the past several years, and has served as a volunteer on the Grants Committee for the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. "Her advice and counsel have been generous gifts to the community she serves," Swan said. Powers has been involved with English Senior Citizens for 22 years, serving as president and helping plan events and programs. She also makes sure to donate to each fund drive for community radio station WBRO-FM, where Powers hosted the "Golden Age" live program for five years. "Bonnie has an energy and youthfulness that is always flowing and inspiring others to join in with her," Swan said. Powers' other favorite charities include the VFW, Civil Air Patrol, Happy Hour Homemakers Club, Paralyzed Veterans, American Cancer Society, English Senior Center, Leavenworth Senior Center, Association of Varied Arts and the Crawford County Public Library. "In 1953, Bonnie ranked as a sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol in Clarksville, Ind., and her husband had a two-way radio in their home and one in their car operating for state-wide transmissions daily, reporting to the main station at Indianapolis," Swan said. "It was called 'Net Time,' which helped keep up on any activities going on. Bonnie also formed a newsletter for the unit. They were on the Search and Rescue missions and helped with any emergency." Powers attends Taswell Christian Church, where she teaches Sunday school and is a member of the women's group. Community Foundation of Crawford County Executive Director Bonita Embry Coots, who chaired this year's steering committee, thanked Swan for again serving as mistress of ceremonies. Coots presented Swan, a Leavenworth native, with a bracelet as well as a donation from the steering committee members to the Carly Birkla Endowment Scholarship. Birkla was Swan's niece from Crawford County who was killed last year in an automobile accident. Coots also thanked Skillman, presenting her with a brooch. Coots likewise received a gift of appreciation from her fellow steering committee members. |