Adviser finalists announced in 13th annual Invest in Others Awards

Fifteen advisers have been named as finalists for the 13th annual Invest in Others Awards in recognition of their generosity and demonstrated philanthropic commitment to their communities and abroad.

“This year’s finalists are an impressive group that not only go above and beyond in their charitable work, but have also made a significant impact on those in need,” said Megan McAuley, executive director of Invest in Others Charitable Foundation.

Together the finalists volunteer more than 450 hours each month, raise $6 million a year and help more than 2.5 million people through their designated charities. They work with organizations representing a range of charitable causes, including education, child wellness, human services, economic development and veterans.

The advisers, who will be celebrated at an awards dinner in Boston on Sept. 26, are being recognized across five categories.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Eric Candelori at Merrill in Vienna, Va., for his work with Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships for the children of marines and navy servicemen and women; Andy Schwartz at Bleakley Financial Group in Fairfield, N.J., for his work with New Jersey SEEDS, which provides high-achieving students from poor families with support to reach their full potential; Fred Taylor at Northstar Investment Advisors in Denver, for his work with Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, which helps to fund the state’s only nonprofit pediatric hospital.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Wayne F. Holly at Sage Rutty and Co. in Rochester, N.Y., for his work with the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, which provides a safe and welcoming place for children who have suffered from trauma and abuse; Brock Moseley at Miracle Mile Advisors in Los Angeles for his work with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, which provides children with strong mentoring relationships; Kevin M. Nast at NastGroup Financial in Northville, Mich., for his work with Life Remodeled, which supports projects that improve Detroit neighborhoods.

Catalyst Award: Mike Berry at Legacy Wealth Management in Grand Junction, Colo., for his work with Kids Aid, which provides bags of food to children each weekend who don’t have enough to eat; Dan Hintz at UBS Financial Services in Indianapolis, for his work with Million Meal Movement, which provides millions of meals to the hungry; David A. Pickler at Pickler Wealth Advisors in Collierville, Tenn., for his work with the American Public Education Foundation, which helps educate and inspire K-12 youth through learning service projects.

Global Impact Award: Richard S. Brown at JNBA Financial Advisors in Minneapolis, for his work with Starkey Hearing Foundation, which aims to provide the gift of hearing to those in need; Matt MacLean at Affirm Wealth Advisors in Peoria, Ariz., for his work with Quenched, which brings clean water to impoverished people in Nepal and India; Mike Mayernick at Mayernick & Associates in Nashville, for his work with Love One International, which helps malnourished and vulnerable children in Uganda receive needed medical treatment.

Community Service Award: Michael Deutsch at United Capital Financial Advisers in Memphis, for his work with Memphis Inner City Rugby, which provides athletic instruction and academic support to high schools in low-income neighborhoods; Rachel Schwarz at The Short Hills Group at UBS Financial Services in Short Hills, N.J., for her work with the Greater Newark Conservancy, which aims to improve the environment within New Jersey’s urban neighborhoods; Lawrence D. Sprung at Mitlin Financial in Hauppauge, N.Y., for his work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which provides support for suicide research, education and prevention efforts, as well as support to those impacted by such deaths.

Related Topics: Ameriprise Financial, Merrill Lynch, UBS Wealth Management