By SYLVIA LOBATO
DENVER — National Philanthropy Day in Colorado is a celebration of giving, volunteering and charitable engagement.
The day highlights the contribution that philanthropy, and those involved in the philanthropic process, makes to our society and our world.
Among the 12 honorees, Amaya Garcia-White Buffalo of Antonito will be the "Outstanding Youth," honored for her commitment to philanthropy at a luncheon Nov. 9 at the Seawell Grand Ballroom in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
The “Outstanding Youth” and “Outstanding Youth Group” winners will receive $3,000 scholarships for continuing education. The scholarships are provided through a grant from the Daniels Fund.
Nearly 800 community members are expected to attend the event. National Philanthropy Day is a nationwide program created and promoted by the Association of Fund raising Professionals (AFP). AFP Colorado Chapter is proud to serve as the host for National Philanthropy Day in Colorado.
 Along with White Buffalo, the honorees include Noble Energy as the outstanding large business,
Security Central of Centennial as the outstanding small business,
Xcel Energy Foundation as the outstanding foundation, Laura Barton of Denver as the outstanding philanthropist, Bonnie Downing of Littleton as the outstanding professional fund raiser, Ted Harms of the Anschutz Foundation as the outstanding professional grant maker,  Greg Poschman of Aspen as the outstanding volunteer fundraiser,  Impact100 of Metro Denver, outstanding service organization, Bob Bell of Arvada, outstanding volunteer, Mountain Vista High School, Highlands Ranch, outstanding youth group and David Henninger, Denver, lifetime achievement.
A robust selection process, involving a wide-ranging group of community representatives, including members of the nonprofit/foundation, business and government sectors, was used to determine the winners.
National Philanthropy Day is both an official day and a grass roots
movement. Every year, since 1986 when President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed November 15 as National Philanthropy Day, communities across the globe have celebrated by hosting events to recognize activities of donors, volunteers, foundations, leaders, corporations and others engaged in philanthropy.