2010 Annual Recognition Dinner

Each year during Scientific Assembly the AAFP Foundation hosts a special dinner for its most dedicated donors and presents two special Foundation awards, as well as the AAFP Outstanding Service Award. The 2010 Annual Recognition Dinner was held at the historic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado.

The 2010 AAFP Foundation Annual Recognition Dinner featured keynote speaker, Leigh Anne Tuohy, the real-life mom from “The Blind Side.” Mrs. Tuohy shared her inspirational story of taking in Michael Oher from the streets of Memphis, TN and providing him with a home, love and the support he needed to realize his own value and dreams. She never realized the powerful and positive impact her actions would have on Michael, now an NFL football player, and on the entire Tuohy family. She encouraged AAFP Foundation donors and guests to look for opportunities to make an even greater difference and to enjoy the rewards of cheerful giving.

Congratulations to the AAFP Foundation award winners! Each year at the Annual Recognition Dinner the Foundation gives out two special awards--Philanthropist of the Year and the Outstanding Program Award.

2010 Philanthropist of the Year Award - Dr. Jerry and Susan Rogers
The Philanthropist of the Year is awarded each year to individuals who exemplify the spirit of philanthropy through financial, leadership and volunteer support of Family Medicine philanthropic efforts. These individuals encourage philanthropy in others and serve as inspiring role models.

The 2010 Philanthropist of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Jerry and Susan Rogers of Moorhead, Minnesota. The Rogers have a deep commitment to the AAFP Foundation. Dr. Rogers is a Past President of the Foundation and served many years on the Foundation's Board of Trustees. In addition, the Rogers have traveled with the Physicians With Heart delegation to Tajikistan and supported many of the Foundation's other programs as well as efforts at the chapter and community level.

2010 Outstanding Program Award - Mississippi Rural Physician Scholarship Program
The Outstanding Program Award was established to nationally recognize a Constituent Chapter for extraordinary efforts in Chapter initiatives.

The 2010 award was given to the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians for its Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP). This innovative pipeline program was established in 2007 to address a state-wide need for rural physicians. MRPSP has three phases to nurture future rural physicians as college juniors and seniors, medical students and residents. For the year 2010-2011, 28 scholarships were awarded to University of Mississippi medical students plus two scholarships to William Carey University osteopathic medical students. These 30 scholarships ($30,000/year) represent a significant commitment of Mississippi taxpayers to the future of rural health care in the state.