craigdailypress.com

The Yampa Valley Community Foundation honored Pres and Patti Askew as the Individual Philanthropists of the Year on July 23.

The foundation presented the Askews, along with other award recipients, with personalized Rod Hanna prints at the foundation's annual Celebration of Philanthropy dinner.

Staff members asked for recommendations from community members and other nonprofit organizations to identify the honorees.

"We also keep our eyes and ears open and observe what people have done for nonprofits in the valley, which is how the Askews came to mind," said Heidi Barbee, development manager for the foundation.

The Askews were selected for the Ed and Jayne Hill Individual Philanthropist of the Year award for their initiative in founding the Boys & Girls Club of Craig.

"They stood out because of the amount of work they have done in a fairly short amount of time," Barbee said.

Pres said that the Boys & Girls Club isn't the only local organization he and his wife support.

"We support (Moffat Coun--ty) Young Life, and my wife has been involved with the Girls to Women program. She has run it two or three years," he said.

Pres added that in the past, he has also worked with the Recreational After-school Door----way program, Horizons Spec--ialized Services and Habitat for Humanity.

"We have been fortunate to be able to contribute to different organizations," he said.

But Barbee said she thinks the community is fortunate for the couple's work.

"The Askews have helped Craig but are also looking at the future of Hayden and Steamboat with the Boys & Girls Club," Barbee said. "They are visionaries, and they really look at the well-being of the youth in the community."

Pres said he and Patti are happy to be able to donate their time and money to groups that help the community.

"I believe that if you have the ability to make a contribution, you should," he said. "I don't think we are different than anyone else."

Barbee said the Askews were deserving of the award.

"They are wonderful people who are doing wonderful work," she said.

The Business Philanthropist of the Year award was given to Steamboat Resorts owners Bob and Laurie Milne, for giving back to the community through their business.

Katie Matteo was honored with the Youth Philanthropist of the Year Award for her involvement in the Girl Scouts throughout high school. She earned the Gold Award, which is the highest honor possible through the organization.

Chris Diamond, president of the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corp., received special recognition at the awards dinner.

The Amir String Quartet provided entertainment, and the foundation's guests included individuals who have funds at the foundation, members of the Passport Club and others who have donated.

"It's just a way of thanking the people that make a difference in the community," Barbee said. "And it's a good chance to get a lot of people in the same room who have the same goals and to thank those people."