New Castle Couple Receives Outstanding Philanthropist Award

Cyrus and Barbara Sweet of New Castle, NH have been friends to organizations at the local, national and international level. And as far as many people in the seacoast are concerned, it's about time they were recognized. That's why the news of the Sweet's receipt of an Outstanding Philanthropist Award feels so fitting.

The award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Northern New England (AFP-NNE), covering NH, Vermont and Maine, recognizes individuals who participate in and support nonprofit organizations in the community, support innovative approaches to problem solving, and encourage and motivate others to take leadership roles in philanthropy.

Six local and national organizations joined to nominate the Sweets as a way to say thanks for their ongoing generosity. United Way of the Greater Seacoast, The Music Hall, Americans for Campaign Reform, Seacoast Science Center, Strawbery Banke Museum, and Ocean Conservancy, led by Sue Suter of United Way, highlighted just a few of the many ways the couple has proven to be leaders in philanthropy.

Larry Yerdon of Strawbery Banke Museum said, What distinguishes them is not only the generosity of their giving, but the manner in which they give.

Several of the organizations emphasize the Sweets use of challenge matches to encourage others to give, promising that new or increased gifts will be matched dollar for dollar.

Patricia Lynch of the Music Hall emphasized the way the Sweets do more than simply write a check. Equally as valuable as the generosity they've historically shown is their creative manner and thoughtful participation in their gift-making asking tough questions and challenging us to think more broadly, she said.

Sue Suter of United Way of the Greater Seacoast summarized the nominators' feelings about the couple as something that goes beyond the facts of their giving, What every one of us feels is love and appreciation for Barbara and Cyrus. The emotions this process brought up for us as we recalled the many gifts we've received from the Sweets is one of sincere thanks.

The award ceremony will be held at The Balsams in Dixville Notch, NH during the AFP-NNE celebration of National Philanthropy Day, November 6, 2008.