A long-time community leader was honored by the North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF) with its Visionary Award at a celebration commemorating the organization’s 40th anniversary on March 31. It was the first time the award has been given in five years.
Gary Martin of Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc. was recognized for investing tens of millions of dollars in charitable organizations over the course of more than two decades. It was noted that Mission Arlington is one of the philanthropist’s favorite organizations. Civic leader Walter Rainwater was the first recipient of the Visionary Award in 2016 for his extraordinary contribution to the children of Fort Worth’s Morningside neighborhood.
The commemorative annual meeting featured a panel of speakers including community volunteer and founding NTCF board board member Marty Leonard, Vice President of Finance for Hillwood, Meggie Lowy, and Orion Jean, who was named 2021 Time Magazine “Kid of the Year” for his efforts as the founder of Race to Kindness. Chris Huckabee, CEO of architecture firm Huckabee, served as moderator.
Carla Thompson, Managing Director of Wealth Management for UBS Financial Services, was also recognized by NTCF with its Professional Advisor of the Year award during the event.
NTCF helps donors meet the needs of the community by providing tax-efficient strategies to support they causes they care about most. The organization reports that it welcomed 46 new funds and granted nearly $30 million in 2021.
Since it was founded in 1981 with the mission to “serve those who give and recieve,” NTCF has awarded more than $350 million in grants and scholarships. Today the organization holds $519 million in assets with more than 360 funds and $485 million in planned legacy gifts.
