Cape Fear Community College’s Humanities and Fine Arts Center was in the spotlight at Thursday’s National Philanthropy Day breakfast. Three of the six winners at the annual fundraising awards event were involved in raising money to equip and furnish the Fine Arts Center.

Sandy Spiers, city president and senior vice president at SunTrust Bank in Wilmington, was given the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award for her role as chairwoman of the Fine Arts Center’s opening gala Oct. 3. The event featured Liza Minnelli and the N.C. Symphony.

Cape Fear Community College Foundation received the Outstanding Fundraising Board of Directors Award in recognition of its active involvement in raising money for the new building. And Bob Jones, the foundation’s associate director, was given the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award for his role in soliciting gifts to furnish and equip the Fine Arts Center.

Other award winners were:

Junior League of Wilmington, N.C. Inc. received the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization Award for its work with the Youth Enrichment Zone, located in Wilmington’s Northside area.

“Four years ago, the Junior League began focusing its efforts on the Youth Enrichment Zone by collaborating with existing organizations serving this area,” Junior League president Angie Brewer said in an email Thursday.

“Since then, we have provided over $30,000 annually to organizations working to serve the underprivileged youth in this zone, reaching a milestone of over $100,000 to support the Youth Enrichment Zone this year. However, our greatest impact is with our volunteers who work hand in hand supporting the Youth Enrichment Zone through events such as Yam Jam where we distribute over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce, and Kids In the Kitchen where we teach children the importance of healthy eating.”

Robert Penna-Welch was given the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award for his work with Good Shepherd Center, which operates a soup kitchen and houses the homeless and helps them make the transition to permanent housing.

Ricky and Dianne Benton, owners of Black’s Tire Service Inc., were honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award. The award was accepted by their son, Ryan.

The Bentons are longtime supporters of the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina Inc. in Lake Waccamaw. The not-for-profit organization’s office, school and residential campus are located near the Black’s Tire headquarters in Whiteville. Each year the Bentons host fundraisers to benefit the organization, which provides residential and community-based services to address the needs of neglected and abused children.

Thursday’s National Philanthropy Day breakfast, which is presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Cape Fear Chapter, drew about 300 people to the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.