Local philanthropists were honored and celebrated at the 8th annual National Philanthropy Day® luncheon hosted by the Nature Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The PHSC Foundation nominated the Duke Energy Foundation, which was selected as the Philanthropic Corporation of the Year.

The Duke Energy Foundation invests over $30 million annually to support the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. “We are thrilled the AFP selected one of our nominees for this recognition. This is the second consecutive year the Duke Energy Foundation has funded their annual scholarship to assist as many as 30 first generation in college students at PHSC,” said Lisa Richardson, Ed.D., PHSC associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director of the foundation.

WREC (Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative) Educational Foundation, Inc., Hernando County Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and Make a Difference also were nominated by the PHSC Foundation in recognition of their continued support and philanthropic efforts throughout the community.