The Boomershines were selected because of their strong community support of area causes over the years. The couple is known for "rolling up their sleeves and getting involved with charitable organizations by giving not only their money, but their personal time" as one nomination letter described.
Over the years, the Boomershines have played key roles in the creation of the Georgia Council on Child Abuse, the growth of Habitat for Humanity and most recently the development of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank.
The luncheon honoring the Boomershines was held at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Banquet Hall.
The Philanthropists of the Year honor is bestowed each year to deserving individuals within a 15-county region in northeast Georgia. It goes to people "known for their humanitarianism and good will." A committee of Community Foundation board members and former recipients select the finalist each year.
Previous winners include: Martha and John Jacobs, Anne and George Thomas, Mike and Lynn Cottrell, Lessie Smithgall, Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit, and Jim Walters.
Winkie and Walter Boomershine (File photo courtesy North Ga. Community Foundation)
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