Anderson's educational, charitable and community service efforts touch a wide variety of people in Alabama and around the country. But her passion is children. "I believe every child should be protected and given an opportunity to learn and grow regardless of socioeconomic challenges," she said.

In 1985 Anderson helped establish the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, whose goal was to lessen the trauma and expedite the "processing" of an abused child. She is a board member and active fund-raiser for the center, whose multidisciplinary approach is a model for more than 400 active Children's Advocacy Centers across the United States.

Anderson also is part of a state multidisciplinary task force to address the chronic problems associated with methamphetamine abuse. "Cathy's work with children and methamphetamine abuse is quite remarkable and has helped raise the overall quality of life in North Alabama," said U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Ala.

Anderson also believes in the power of education, contributing financial resources to the United Negro College Fund, Oakwood College in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University.

Empowering women is another favorite cause. Anderson works with the Women's Economic Development Council to provide opportunities for leadership and economic development through education, mentoring and networking. Anderson also has provided sponsorship and donated a vehicle to Girls Inc., which inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Anderson is an active member of the Alabama Hispanic Association, sponsoring activities to improve educational and economic opportunities, employing bilingual sales associates and advertising with Spanish radio and newspaper. "She is truly an example of a person who is concerned about and committed to the community," AHA president Margaret Rotger said.

"Every employee at Westlie Motor Company understands the importance of community involvement and leadership," Blasing said. "Our strategy is not a one-time, one-year occurrence. It needs to be long lasting and consistent."

Westlie employees dedicate themselves to a wide variety of organizations, including youth programs, United Way, American Heart Association, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Toys for Tots. For example, when the local Domestic Violence Crisis Center was short of money to be eligible for a matching grant, Westlie filled the gap. When a radio station lost its major contributor for its toy drive, Westlie employees quickly collected gifts in time for Christmas. Westlie Motors pitched in when the community worked to raise funds for a new ice rink facility, where the Hockey Boosters Association is a favorite volunteer opportunity.

Local schools also benefit. Westlie Motors donated two used vans for high school technology department students to work on and its service department has helped with certification of the Vo-Tech department at the high school and Job Corps. Each May, Westlie supports more than 15 area schools' "after-prom" parties where teens can play games and dance in a safe, alcohol-free environment. Westlie also donates to scholarships to Minot State University and has helped raise money for many improvements.

The Westlie Group also supports the Minot Air Force Base in many ways, including its annual fishing derby, Sportsmen's Feed in the winter, a golf outing in the spring and a summer of activities for the military personnel. Blasing and other Westlie managers also serve as Honorary Commanders at the base, assisting commanders and their families new to Minot.

The local YMCA is a favorite cause. The Westlie Group helped build a new state-of-the-art facility in Minot and contributed to improvements at the Y-Camp to ensure underprivileged children can attend. Blasing also served on the board of The Magic Fund, which has helped create more than 5,000 new jobs in Minot in the past 10 years.

"Westlie Motor Company is a vital part of our community," said L. John MacMartin, president of the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce.

"Needs for the poor are abundant in South Texas and I wanted to be a part of helping to solve these needs," Boggus said. "I want to return something from all the blessings we have."

For nearly 40 years, Boggus has put his heart and soul into the Salvation Army, serving on its board of directors, spearheading fund-raisers, making infrastructure improvements happen and even ringing the red kettle bell at Christmastime. In 2004, Boggus received the Salvation Army's William Booth Award - the highest international honor given to those who have made a significant contribution not just to the worldwide organization, but to their communities as well.

"Without Frank Boggus, there would be a large void to fill," Harlingen Salvation Army Capt. Alfonso Martinez said. "He just wants to make sure his community is taken care of."

Boggus took the lead to bring a Ronald McDonald House to Harlingen. "Dad was raising money as fast as he could, and we were trying to get as many in-kind donations as we could - everything from paint to sofas. It was amazing!" said his daughter, Barbara Sue Tucker. It continues to be a Boggus family project through volunteering and leadership positions.

Another of Boggus' favorite projects is Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, which provides meals and job training to the needy. He was instrumental in helping the organization obtain its own building, then contributing money and getting others to donate services or funds to complete $250,000 in renovations to the building.

Among the many other causes Boggus supports are End of the Road Ministries, Boy Scouts, Harlingen Literacy Center, Frank Ferree Border Relief, Wesley United Methodist Church, Valley Baptist Medical Center and Harlingen Area Educational Foundation.

"If I can help in some small way, I do it," Daoud said. But what Daoud does is no small thing. He consistently gives countless hours to dozens of worthwhile events and charities and has raised millions of dollars for local organizations.

"No matter where he is - at the dealership with his employees, with his family, at his church - Tarik never hesitates in lending a helping hand and sharing his love for life with anybody he meets," said Ahmad Ezzeddine, an assistant dean at Wayne State University.

Daoud's favorite causes are those involving education, the arts, health and international relations.

"Without the strength of education our country cannot survive," he said. "My wife and I have more than $3 million in endowments and scholarships at various universities affording the young people who may not afford it the education necessary to keep our bright minds alive and our country strong."

Daoud travels the world to build bridges and foster business relationships between countries. He is an active participant in dozens of organizations, such as the American Arab-Jewish Friends, Arab American Chaldean Council and the Greater Interfaith Roundtable. For more than 25 years, Daoud has been a major contributor to International Visitors Council of Detroit, which partners with the U.S. Department of State planning official visits to Detroit for international dignitaries. "International relations are more important than ever in this unsettled world," Daoud said. "Being a foreign-born American has taught me the lessons of diversity and necessity for kindness to all of mankind, no matter race, religion or anything else that diversifies us from each other."

In 1999, Daoud founded the International Association for Organ Donation. AIOD promotes organ and tissue donation awareness in the multi-cultural and diverse communities of southeast Michigan and has enrolled thousands of people in the Michigan Donor Registry. Daoud also has assisted with the renovations of the Detroit Opera House, the Detroit Institute of Arts and historic St. Anne Roman Catholic Church, keeping them viable for generations to come.

"We have so much to do," Inukai said. "Sometimes it seems there are not enough hours, but then I stop to see something through a child's eyes and hear something from their heart."

In 1997, Inukai joined the board of the Citizens Crime Commission of Portland. He quickly went to work to tackle problems involving youth. "Our primary focus was how to keep kids caught up in the web of crime, broken families, foster care, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and prison from perpetuating the cycle from which the at-risk youth spin," he said.

Inukai helped establish the Homeless Youth Assessment Committee, which has received nationwide recognition for its work to boost resources and services for the area's homeless teens. Inukai is on the executive board of the Oregon Children's Plan, which identifies and assists at-risk kids and their families by focusing on front-end prevention and treatment.

When Inukai he joined the Boys & Girls Club of Portland board two years ago he quickly discovered the club's facilities were inadequate. "We needed to either remodel the building or build a new one," said Inukai, who reached out to businesses and community members to get $400,000 in renovations donated. Inukai also has worked to change the club's focus from constant fund-raising to securing more long-term financial commitments.

Inukai's roots drew him to the Japan-America Society of Oregon, in which he has been active for 20 years. In 2000, a large number of Asians were being mistreated or detained at the Portland airport by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. "Dick was the instrumental person on the JASO committee in taking an active role and getting the problem resolved, which also resulted in good relations between the Asian community and the INS," JASO Executive Director Dixie McKeel said.

"I believe that I have been blessed so that I can be a blessing to others," Lukehart said. "It is just a way of giving back."

Lukehart began his work with the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in the early 1990s, where he now sits on the board of directors, chairs the Major Gifts committee and serves on the Executive and Nominating committees. "Diabetes is such a devastating disease for a child," Lukehart said.

Raising money to fund research to find a cure is what it's all about, so Lukehart actively and generously supports those efforts through many of his personal and business resources. For example, over the past year Lukehart's Leadership Ford lead the Dallas Ford Dealers and Ford Motor Credit to raise more than $100,000 toward finding a cure. He also helped raise $1.7 million in JDRF's 2004 Dream Gala, including more than $60,000 from raffling a Ford Mustang convertible donated by Lukehart's dealership. He also produces public service announcements, asking senior management at the local radio stations to donate the promotional air time, attends JDRF national meetings and lobbies the legislature for increased diabetes research funding.

"Thanks to Alan's generous spirit, his leadership and willingness to graciously serve our community and further our mission, JDRF will find a cure for diabetes in our lifetime through the faith and love of parents like Alan and Cindy Lukehart," said Paula Hughes, executive director of JDRF's Greater Dallas Chapter. 

Lukehart partners with the Richardson, Texas, Independent School District to sponsor a Web-based educational tool and contributes thousands of dollars each year toward scholarships for the district's graduating seniors. At Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Lukehart established an endowed scholarship with a cash contribution and donation of a car for each of two years as a raffle prize for the school's annual fund-raising gala.

Lukehart and his wife, Cindy, lend their voices in another way by singing in Prestonwood Baptist Church's choir and participating in its concerts and musical productions.

Pulliam's love of flying combined with his passion for helping others motivates him to transport numerous critically ill patients to hospitals around the country - in all kinds of weather, day or night. Pulliam provides his time, skills and resources without charge to patients or their families - many of whom could not have otherwise afforded the trip.

Pulliam is an honorary member of the Shriners Flying Fezzes, an organization for which he has flown numerous mercy missions and raised more than $80,000 for airplane upgrades. Pulliam also has twice received the "Order of the Palmetto," South Carolina's highest award that honors outstanding citizens.

"These honors reflect his passion for service to others in a multitude of ways," the Shriners' Jim Hamilton said.

Pulliam's service isn't limited to the skies. Ten years ago, when he learned county deputies lacked bulletproof vests, Pulliam founded the Richland County Sheriff's Foundation to fill the void. Using money raised through events such as annual golf tournaments, the foundation has purchased more than 200 vests to ensure every deputy is protected as well as provide walkie-talkies, hand-held metal detectors and add a K-9 division. Pulliam also donated vehicles to the sheriff's, fire and Springdale Police departments for educational and safety programs.

Education is important to Pulliam. Six years ago, he founded the President's Invitational golf tournament for the University of South Carolina's National Merit Scholarship program, which has contributed more than $450,000 for students. Pulliam Ford also has been honored by the state for its commitment to its "Partners in Education" program, to which Pulliam devotes employees' time and has expended more than $400,000 to assist schools.

Pulliam has been a generous supporter of the Salvation Army by providing four vehicles for its Red Kettle program. "Mr. Pulliam's support has sparked a renewed interest in volunteering and support," Capt. Ethan Frizzell said.

Skelton's community has benefited from his quiet generosity for more than 30 years, particularly children. "I came from a very poor background and most of the schools I attended had limited resources," Skelton said. "A good education is so important, so this is a vital way I can contribute."

Skelton does much of his giving through the Homer Skelton Charitable Foundation. He has contributed more than $1 million to DeSoto County schools for such accelerated math, reading, art and science programs; a daylong educational music program, books, calculators, computers, lab and video equipment, software and equipment for students with special needs. Each year he donates 350 bicycles to the most-improved local students and funds an annual scholarship to the Southern Baptist Education Center in Southaven.

"Mr. Skelton is truly the epitome of what a leader should be: kind, diligent, committed, loyal and selfless," said Riki Jackson, community relations director, DeSoto County Schools.

When the idea to build a baseball park for children with disabilities was proposed, Skelton made a pivotal seed grant of $500,000 to construct the Southaven "Field of Dreams," then made an additional donation of $100,000 on behalf of his employees.

Other causes Skelton supports include the Boys & Girls Clubs, Agape Counseling for children in foster care, Hope House for children with HIV, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Toys for Tots and anti-drug programs. He also furnishes vehicles to numerous charities and driver's training programs and donated a plane for Civil Air Patrol students.

Although very humble, Skelton's philanthropy and leadership have brought him accolades and awards from numerous organizations and government officials. In 2004, he was a recipient of the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award for a lifetime of achievement.

"He doesn't care about the awards, he only cares about the opportunity to help others and to share his testimony with others," Jackson said. "God has blessed him and Mr. Skelton in turn, continues to bless others."

"I believe the future of our world revolves around giving children enough support - be it emotional, financial, spiritual or educational - so they have the hope and tools to make wise and successful choices in their own lives, thus making it a better world," Vukovich said.

Vukovich has quietly supported Iowa's children in numerous ways. One of his favorite organizations is Variety - The Children's Charity, which supports programs that benefit children's hospitals, at-risk youth, children with disabilities and more. Vukovich's involvement in its annual Black Tie Dinner has made it one of Iowa's top fund raisers, thanks in large part to Dewey Ford's donation of a new vehicle that Variety uses as incentive to drive ticket sales.

Vukovich is responsible for Iowa's Sunshine Coaches, which transport children to treatment facilities and field trips. He plans the Bikes for Kids event, which gave away more than 400 bicycles in 2004. Last year, Vukovich was honored with the Variety International Award (Presidential Citation). In total, Vukovich has helped raise more than $30 million over the past 20 years and will take over as president of the board of directors in 2006.

"Mark demonstrates leadership, volunteer support and a commitment to helping children in need," said Sheri McMichael, Variety of Iowa executive director.

For Shoes That Fit, a nonprofit community outreach program, Vukovich lends his support with public service announcements, providing the drop-off center and coordinating the matching of kids and shoes. He also is devoted to Good Samaritan Urban Ministries, which provides transitional housing, spiritual guidance, job retraining and educational support for homeless mothers and kids.

Vukovich got involved with the Multiple Sclerosis Society after his father was diagnosed with the disease and provides free transportation to local MS Society events.

"Being a part of charitable organizations is a way I can give back to the community that has supported me and our dealership," Vukovich said. "What I receive from being involved in these organizations is much more than I give."