The Atherton Family Foundation was named Outstanding Foundation at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day Awards luncheon on Nov. 1, 2012, honored for its extraordinary leadership and support of hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

Punahou School nominated the foundation for the award, “in gratitude for its stalwart and steady record of philanthropy” for nearly a century in Hawai‘i. Punahou has been the grateful beneficiary of the foundation’s support over the years, most recently in support of the Omidyar K – 1 Neighborhood, Case Middle School and Mamiya Science Center. But this is “only a small fraction of the good that the Atherton Family Foundation does in large and small ways statewide,” Punahou Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kathryn Nelson wrote in the nomination form.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals — Aloha Chapter bestowed the award during a luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel recognizing philanthropy in a variety of categories. The Atherton Family Foundation earned this recognition in part for its work as an exceptional community partner, by helping to advance public/private partnerships with organizations such as the Good Beginnings Alliance, the Hawai‘i Youth Opportunities Initiative and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. Joan Halford ’49 Rohlfing accepted the award for the foundation, accompanied by fellow directors Robin Midkiff ’68 and Paul Morgan ’65. Unable to attend were Atherton Family Foundation President Judith Sheehan ’57 Dawson (a Punahou trustee) and directors Patricia R. Giles and Frank C. Atherton ’66.

Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Mrs. Rohlfing said, “I know that our great and great-great grandmother Juliette Cooke (c. 1860) Atherton, who founded the Juliette Atherton Trust in 1915, would be so happy to know her generosity and her love of Hawai‘i continue to be reflected through her foundation. She was the daughter of missionaries, born in Honolulu, and she loved Hawai‘i and her people. Her foundation is her legacy to Hawai‘i. We are honored to continue her work and recognize her generosity, which has endured for almost 100 years.”

Other Philanthropy Day honorees with Punahou ties included Trustee David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., a co-recipient of the Outstanding Corporation Award; Jean Cornuelle, widow of former Punahou trustee Herbert Cornuelle, a co-recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award; and Dr. Edison Miyawaki, honored as Outstanding Philanthropist.

Congratulations and mahalo to all the honorees!