Semi-final of the Jubilee Edition of the Prestigious „Benefactor of the Year” Contest

27 February 2007

The 10th jubilee edition of the “Benefactor of the Year” contest organized by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland is in progress. The goal of the competition is to award the companies which while carrying out market activities support non-governmental organizations when it comes to solving important social problems and contribute to the improvement of life of local communities.

Yet again within the framework of the contest companies and foundations established by the companies which most successfully combine economic activities with the philanthropic projects as well as those which made social activities part of their strategy will be honored.

All companies and foundations established by the companies which were involved in social activities in 2006 may apply for the contest. 273 companies and foundations were submitted to this year’s edition.

Semi-finalists of the contest will be presented during a gala reception hosted by the U.S Ambassador on the March 1st. The Ambassador supports this year’s edition of the competition. The reception will reach its climax as the internet voting system is launched by the U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Mr. Victor Ashe.

From 1st to 14th of March everyone will have an opportunity to vote for a selected company or a foundation established by the company choosing from among 24 semi-finalists seeking to win the title of the Benefactor of 2006 in the “cooperation with a non-governmental organization” category. The voting will take place in two subcategories: big and small/medium companies therefore internet users will chose two winners. The votes may be placed on the contest’s website: www.dobroczyncaroku.pl

The contest’s Chapter composed of 7 members will held its session on the March 15th. The Chapter will chose winners from among 36 semi-finalists shortlisted by the experts in both categories – “cooperation with a non-governmental organization” and “strategic program of social involvement of the companies”. The solemn Gala in the course of which the winners will be presented with commemorative statues will be held on May 21st. The winners will have a right to use the logo of the contest and the title “Benfactor of 2006” in their promotional activities. The winners will not receive financial awards.