Two Colorado Springs nonprofit organizations and doctor win 18th Annual Awards for Excellence

Two Colorado Springs nonprofit organizations and Dr. Ted Lewis were named winners Wednesday at the 18th Annual Awards for Excellence at the Broadmoor Hotel International Center.

More than $80,000 of the total $380,000 in grants awarded during the banquet by El Pomar Foundation was presented

Winners, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Women Partnering, were awarded $15,000 each for their extraordinary contributions to the nonprofit sector. Five other Colorado Springs area nonprofits received grants of $7,500 as category finalists:

Cool Science - Education

Fountain Library Branch, Pikes Peak Library District - Community

Rocky Mountain State Games - Sports and Recreation

The Friends of Cheyenne Cañon - Environment

U.S. Association of Blind Athletes - Sports and Recreation

Lewis was presented the Russell T. Tutt Award and a grant of $15,000 for his dedication to community service, of which he will designate at least $10,000 to the nonprofit of his choice. Lewis, co- founder of Arthritis Associates of Colorado Springs and former president of the El Paso County Medical Society, has served on many local nonprofit boards.

Special awards were also presented to the following individuals and business:

Gov. Bill Owens - Ben S. Wendelken Special Trustees Award

Jackie Norris, Founding executive director of Metro Volunteers - Shrine of the Sun Award and a grant of $12,500

Alpine Bank of Grand Junction - Gov. John A. Love Award

Colorado Bright Beginnings, based in Denver, was named the outstanding statewide nonprofit, receiving the Penrose Award and a $25,000 grant.

Annually, 33 nonprofits, one business and several community leaders are recognized for their contributions to Colorado Communities. Since 1989, Awards for Excellence has awarded $3.6 million to more than 375 nonprofit organizations that serve Colorado.