NGCF honors Dr. Richard and Phyllis Leet

GAINESVILLE - The North Georgia Community Foundation honored Dr. Richard and Phyllis Leet with its 2012 Philanthropist of the Year award Thursday during its annual luncheon at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Banquet Hall.

The Leets were recognized for giving generously of their time and money to many organizations throughout the years and taking active roles in every community in which they have lived. In the more than 20 years the Leets have called Gainesville home, they have supported Brenau University, the Boys Scouts of America, Elachee Nature Science Center, the Arts Council, Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville First Methodist Church and Northwest Missouri State University.

"The Leets' vision, passion and commitment to making a difference has impacted the quality of life everywhere they have called home," NGCF President Jim Mathis said. "Their philanthropy toward many causes has made a difference for generations to come."

The Philanthropist of the Year honor is bestowed each year to deserving individuals known for their humanitarianism and good will. A committee of Community Foundation board members and former recipients select the finalist each year from a 15-county region in northeast Georgia.

Previous winners include: Walter and Winkie Boomershine, Martha and John Jacobs, Anne and George Thomas, Mike and Lynn Cottrell, Lessie Smithgall, Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit, and Jim Walters.

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