National Philanthropy Day 1999 Award Winners.

Enacted by Congress fifteen years ago, National Philanthropy Day annually recognizes the vital efforts of nonprofit organizations and the individuals, foundations and businesses that support them to improve the quality of life in our communities. Each year, Los Angeles celebrates National Philanthropy Day by honoring outstanding donors, volunteers, organizations and nonprofit leaders at a gala breakfast, the largest such event in the country. Sponsored by an all-volunteer committee, the event was founded by: National Society of Fundraising Executives, Greater Los Angeles Chapter; California Community Foundation; Center for Nonprofit Management in Southern California; Southern California Association for Healthcare Development; Southern California Association for Philanthropy; and Southern California Planned Giving Roundtable.

The following honorees, together with hundreds of other volunteers and donors in attendance, will be recognized for their contributions this Friday, November 19 at the Beverly Hilton:

Outstanding Philanthropist

MIMI AND BERNIE WEST

No one has done more for The Los Angeles Free Clinic than Mimi and Bernie West. Their generosity and leadership have transformed the Clinic from a struggling storefront to a nationally recognized model of indigent care that sees more than 80,000 patients a year.

Outstanding Volunteer

RUBEN JAUREGUI

Mr. Jauregui has given over 30 years of service to philanthropy in the Los Angeles area. Thanks to his diligent and caring volunteer work, he has helped thousands of Angelenos by effectively working with many nonprofit Organizations, such as the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club.

Outstanding Founder

CARLYLE W. HALL, JR.

In 1971, Carlyle Hall and three other O'Melveny & Myers lawyers co-founded the Center for Law in the Public Interest (CLIPI), one of the first public interest law firms on the West Coast.

Outstanding Corporate Foundation

BANK OF AMERICA FOUNDATION

The Bank of America Foundation is the largest financial services philanthropic foundation in the United States with an annual budget of approximately $100 million.

Outstanding Private Foundation

W M. KECK FOUNDATION

The W. M. Keck Foundation, one of the nation's largest philanthropic organizations, was founded by the late W. M. Keck. The Foundation has made grants of over $875 million and its assets have grown from $250 million to $1.5 billion.

Outstanding Volunteer Organization

CATHOLIC BIG BROTHERS

Catholic Big Brothers has served the Los Angeles community since 1925, matching fatherless children with caring adult volunteers who serve as role models and provide guidance and companionship.

Outstanding Professional

MIKI JORDAN

Miki Jordan is president and chief executive officer of Para Los Ninos, a child and family service agency operating 14 sites in inner-city areas of Los Angeles. Para Los Ninos provides comprehensive community-based services to low-income and homeless children and families, serving more than 800 children each weekday, and more than 2,000 families a year.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer

PETER TADAO MATTHEW GEE

Peter Gee is a 17-year-old junior at Pilgrim High School who has volunteered with the Japanese American National Museum for almost four years. In addition to volunteering at the Museum, he also volunteers with Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, an official recruitment group for the National Marrow Donor Program.

Special Recognition Award

JACK HOM 

In 1992, Jack Hom set up a $100,000 endowment for scholarships for needy high school students at the Chinatown Library. This is the largest donation Friends of the Chinatown Library has ever received from an individual. To date, thirty students have benefited from his generosity.