Three Girl Scouts were among the honorees at the annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on November 13, 2015 at Seawall Grand Ballroom, Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The event was hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Doris Kester from Pueblo was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Doris has been a Girl Scout for nearly 60 years, serving as a director and board member. She is also a two-time recipient of the THANKS badge, the highest honor given to adults in Girl Scouts. Doris has served in every volunteer leadership position from local troop leader to the National Operational Volunteer and currently serves on the Board Governance Committee at Girl Scouts of Colorado.

Christina Bear, Gold Award recipient from Golden, received the award for “Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy.” She earned her Gold Award for organizing a week-long summer program for Latino students at the Horizons Summer Program at Colorado Academy. Through informal learning in computer and robot programming and mini-science experiments, students were engaged and excited about technology. In April 2015, Christina was awarded the inaugural Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize for Gold Award Excellence.

Jennifer “Jen” Darling received the award for “Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy.” Jen serves as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy for Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation. She has also worked at the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens and Colorado School of Mines. During her acceptance speech, Jen spoke about her experiences as a Girl Scout and how they have contributed to her success as a fundraiser.