College Trustee Martin K.P. and wife Kelly W. Hill were honored Oct. 30 as the 2006 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year, by the Maryland Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals. The couple accepted the association’s highest award before a audience of about 1,000 Maryland business and philanthropic leaders at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

“We have a responsibility to children, families and our community,” Hill told the crowd. “This is a tremendous honor, and Kelly and I sincerely appreciate it.”

As prominent leaders in the Westminster community, the couple serves as major benefactors at many organizations including McDaniel College, Carroll Community College, YMCA of Central Maryland, Carroll Hospital Center, and the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. The Hills invest in organizations that enrich the quality of life for families and set a philanthropic example for others.

“Kelly and Marty are passionate about the quality of life for all citizens, and they reflect that passion through their talented and extensive voluntary service,” said former McDaniel College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Richard Seaman who presented the Hills at the luncheon program. “They set the standard for the rest of us in defining what commitment, generosity and associated voluntary service truly mean.”

The Hills’ commitment to McDaniel College has been extensive.

“They so deeply deserve this honor,” said McDaniel President Joan Develin Coley. “Marty and Kelly are distinguished volunteers and leaders who are guided by the principles of truth, fairness, and goodwill.”

Marty Hill became more involved at McDaniel while his daughter, Jennifer ’93, completed her undergraduate studies. As a parent, he volunteered in many capacities, became chair of the College’s Parent’s Fund, and initiated challenge grants to encourage senior class giving. Ultimately, he was appointed chair of the College’s comprehensive “Defining Moment”
campaign, which raised more than $41 million. Currently he serves as the vice chair of the College Board of Trustees.

The Hills also provide generous support to the College’s Annual Fund that fuels the operating budget each and every year that is essential given the College’s relatively small endowment. Moreover, Marty has stepped forward to serve as a leader in planning the College’s next comprehensive campaign. Kelly, a graduate of Carroll Community College serves on its Foundation Board and is general chair of the first major gifts campaign.

First held in 1986, National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible. It celebrates the endless daily contributions individuals and organizations across the world make to countless causes and missions. Past awardees have included Eddie and Sylvia Brown, Ben and Candy Carson, John and Nancy Erickson, an d Dorothy McIlvain Scott. This year’s event was sponsored by Ketchum, in partnership with the Baltimore Business Journal and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

The Hills, who were married in Little Baker Chapel on July 5, 1997, reside in Lineboro. They have two grown children, Jennifer and Marty, and five grandchildren.