Special Events Campaigns of the Year: MIND Research Institute and Avow Hospice

"There was a sense among the previous board of trustees that telling our story within the community, nationally and internationally might not be acceptable because of the sensitivity to the organ donor's family and the loss of their loved ones," wrote the organization's Kelley Sims.

But in 2009, the foundation decided it was indeed time to start telling the story of the world's largest eye bank and the only eye bank with a research center. Instead of shying away from donor families and recipients, the foundation invited them into the process. It took the gala public with a big media splash and also added an auction with prizes to suit all budgets (starting bids from $20 to $700) and interests (a basket of massage essentials to a signed NASCAR flag to Judas Priest tickets to a bronze horse).