Memphis Celebrates Givers of Time, Treasure, Talent and Touch | People

"There's a lot of talk about time, treasure and talent," Kemmons Wilson, Jr. told a crowd of hundreds of Mid-South philanthropists, fundraisers and community volunteers.

"But the touch may be the most important part of that equation,"  he said. 

The 2012 "Outstanding Philanthropist" Crystal Award was bestowed on the son of the founder of Holiday Inns on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day.

But Kemmons Wilson, Jr. said, "I'm not a philanthropist. I think of myself as a mentor, conduit and connector."

Then he invited a table filled with those who've followed his golden example to stand.

Wilson has made a mark on countless constructive community and charitable efforts in Memphis, notably at the Memphis Literacy Council, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Nexus and the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation.

Giving runs in the Wilson family.

The 2012 Crystal Awards presented by the Memphis Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) were held in the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management.

The school at the University of Memphis was made possible by a generous gift from the 2012 award winner's parents, Kemmons and Dorothy Wilson.

"The population of the extended Wilson family now stands at 71 so I can't name everyone." But lucky for Memphis, the Wilson name and legacy of charitable giving of time, talent, treasure and touch will live on for generations to come," said Kemmons Wilson, Jr. 

Other winners at the 2012 Crystal Awards included: 

• 2012 Youth In Philanthropy Award: Hutchison School Students Lockie Dearman, Mary Sanford McClure and Katie Fleckenstein for creation of a Sustainable Youth Mentoring Program in association with Girls, Inc. 
• 2012 Youth in Philanthropy Award: St. Agnes Academy Students Elizabeth Kruczek (now a freshman at Ole Miss), Hailey Cremerius, Sarah Sneed, Emily Siano and Caroline Smith for creation of "Anna's Closet" at St. Agnes Academy. 
• 2012 Outstanding Corporation: Servicemaster
• 2012 Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation: Jewish Foundation of Memphis
• 2012 Outstanding Executive Leader Award: Dorothy Gunther Pugh
• 2012 Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award: Bob Plunk
• 2012 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Mark Halperin
• 2012 Spirit of Philanthropy Award: Brenda and Lester Crain
• 2012 Outstanding Partners in Philanthropy: FedEx Corporation