Five years of philanthropy and grant-giving aimed at Homer’s youth was rewarded earlier this winter when the Homer Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee garnered statewide recognition for its efforts.
The committee received the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Alaska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in November.

Homer High Senior and longtime YAC member Patrick Schneider accepts the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at the Alaska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on Nov. 14 in Anchorage.

This statewide award is presented to an individual or youth group who has demonstrated exceptional achievements in philanthropic activities through the development of new projects, leadership, volunteer service or direct financial support of nonprofits.  Through exemplary service, this individual or group serves as a positive role model for the philanthropic process in action to other youth throughout Alaska.
“YAC members have developed attitudes, values and skills that enable them to effectively contribute to the betterment of their community, and as a result, the youth of Homer have more activities available to help them make healthy choices,” said Homer Foundation Executive Director Joy Steward.
Since 2004, the Homer Foundation’s student-led Youth Advisory Committee worked with advisor Bonnie Jason to infuse the Homer area with more than $22,000 in grants to support programs and services that engage Homer’s youth in healthy, affordable and easily accessible activities. YAC’s 2009 grant recipients include South Peninsula Haven House, Homer Boys and Girls Club, and Kenai Peninsula Project GRAD.