FRANK and Jeanne Plett may not have begun their marriage with too many coins to rub together but now that they have more they share with the community.
During National Philanthropy Day on Friday, the Pletts were honoured as Outstanding Philanthropists by the Manitoba chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
The awards luncheon also saw the Winnipeg Free Press named as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization and Ted Foreman recognized as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.
The Pletts were especially singled out for their contributions -- both monetary and through sweat equity -- to the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation.
"It's an honour to be grouped with all those wonderful people who have won this before," Frank Plett said. Past winners include Izzy Asper, the Moffat family, Louis Trepel and John and Bonnie Buhler.
"It's an honour and a privilege," Jeanne Plett said. "We are blessed and we like to bless others."
Stuart Murray, the foundation's executive director, said the Pletts are "just very, very quiet leaders who go about things without community recognition but they make a huge difference."
With his brothers, Frank Plett founded Westfield Industries in Rosenort in 1950. The company, which was sold in 2000, manufactures grain augers and other farm equipment.
Plett said it was wonderful that through the years he and his brothers were able to grow the company to the point "we can support great causes."
Meanwhile, Marnie Strath, the Free Press's director of marketing, said the newspaper is thrilled to be honoured for helping numerous charitable organizations. The Free Press was recognized for sponsoring organizations, its monthly Philanthropy page and the activities its staff volunteers for.
"It is wonderful to receive recognition for something we just take for granted," Strath said.
Foreman said he learned how to give when he joined Investors Group in 1962. He retired in 2005.
"When you give it is like winning and winning is fun," Foreman said.
kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
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