Two Palm Beach Civic Association directors have been recognized for outstanding philanthropic contributions to the local community.

Kathryn Vecellio was named the 2025 recipient of the lifetime achievement award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Palm Beach County Chapter.

Pauline Pitt received the AFP’s outstanding volunteer fundraiser award for 2025.

Vecellio and Pitt were among the honorees at the 39th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon hosted Wednesday, November 12, by the AFP’s Palm Beach County Chapter at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Vecellio and Pitt have been Civic Association directors since 2020 and 2015, respectively.

Vecellio has served on more than 25 nonprofit boards, including those of the Kravis Center, Norton Museum of Art, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Cleveland Clinic Florida, National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Schepens Eye Institute, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, and the American Heart Association in Palm Beach County.

Through the Vecellio Family Foundation, she and her husband, Leo Vecellio, have awarded more than 425 academic scholarships, said Diane Bergner, who co-chaired the Philanthropy Day luncheon along with Robi Jurney and Jay Zeager.

(Leo Vecellio is a member of the Civic Association’s Executive Committee).

Bergner said Kathryn Vecellio has been a pillar of generosity and leadership in Palm Beach County for more than four decades. Her leadership and generosity as gala chair has raised millions of dollars in support of many causes in health, the arts and education.

“Kathryn has a true gift for bringing people together, lifting others up and inspiring all, helping us dream just a little bit bigger about what’s possible for this community,” Bergner said.

Vecellio said her philanthropic career began when, as a young girl, she talked her mother and grandmother into helping her make caramel apples and popcorn balls to raise money for her elementary school class.

“That project was an overnight success,” said Vecellio, who soon followed it up with door-to-door sales of flower seeds, magazine subscriptions and wrapping paper.

“These were my first experiences in fundraising, and I suppose I just never stopped,” she said. “Even then, I realized how much joy comes from hard work and from connecting with others for a shared purpose. That feeling of doing something that makes a difference never left me, and it has become part of who I am.”

Pitt is chairman and president of the William H. Pitt Foundation, named in honor of her late husband. She oversees giving at the foundation, which supports diverse charitable causes.

Pitt is a passionate advocate for the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, where she served on the board for 13 years before becoming chairman in 2024. Pitt has contributed $2.4 million to the organization, including $1 million to the Homeless No More campaign, according to the local AFP chapter.

As chair of Peggy Adams’ annual Christmas Ball for 13 consecutive years, Pitt elevated the event to a premier gala, raising more than $10.7 million. Her 2023 “Call to the Heart” initiative has added another $1.6 million to date.

“She’s made an indelible mark in this community,” Jurney said of Pitt. “She’s saved animal lives. We’re grateful for all that she’s done.”

Jurney read remarks shared about Pitt by Peggy Adams CEO Sue Berry.

“She has a special gift for bringing people together and inspiring others who truly care about animals to join our mission,” Berry was quoted saying of Pitt. “We are deeply grateful for her compassion and her commitment. On behalf of all the animals whose stories now have happy endings because of her, we say, ‘thank you.’”

Pitt’s influence extends well beyond Peggy Adams. She has led major fundraising efforts for the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, where she is a former board chairman, and for the Center for Creative Education.

Pitt credited her late husband for establishing the Pitt Foundation in the 1980s when his only son passed away.

“He really wanted to give back,” she said. “He ultimately wanted to help educate underprivileged children through school and university.”

Pitt said Peggy Adams, which is celebrating its 100th year, goes beyond the call of duty, with programs that assist people who need help feeding their pets or with low-cost veterinary care.

“My real passion is for the four-legged furry animals,” she said. “Peggy Adams is the most wonderful shelter. I think it’s the best shelter in America.”

Civic Association CEO Mary Robosson extended her heartfelt congratulations to Vecellio and Pitt.

“The Civic Association is fortunate to have as directors these two fine individuals who have demonstrated remarkable leadership in our community for decades,” Robosson said.

Other 2025 philanthropic award recipients were James “Chip” DiPaula, who was named outstanding philanthropist; Carrier Corporation, for outstanding philanthropic corporation; Stiles Nicholson Foundation, for outstanding philanthropic foundation; and Chris Snyder, for outstanding fundraising professional.

The Association of fundraising professionals was founded in 1960 and has 240 chapters worldwide.