FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Northwest Arkansas community will gather to celebrate philanthropy Wednesday, Nov. 9, in honor of National Philanthropy Day. National Philanthropy Day, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northwest Arkansas Chapter, is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy — and those people active in the philanthropic community — have made in the lives of many.

This year, Mark Power, executive director of development and principal gifts in the office of university development, will be recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional. Also nominated by the University of Arkansas, Arvest Bank will be honored as Outstanding Corporation.

“The celebration of philanthropy is a part of each day at the University of Arkansas, and we are thrilled to see these two nominees recognized for their hard work and generosity,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “Mark continues to take on new responsibilities, and he oversees a large number of development staff who have become increasingly successful under his leadership. He maintains exceptional relationships with our benefactors, and he understands what it takes to align our goals with the interests of our alumni and friends.

“Arvest Bank has been a constant promoter of giving back, and their impact is felt throughout Northwest Arkansas,” continued Choate. “The company as well as individual employees have made and continue to make a visible difference in our community. This award suits their commitment to philanthropy perfectly.”

Mark Power joined the University of Arkansas in 2001 as the director of development in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, and was a key part of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, which raised more than $1 billion for the university. He was promoted to executive director of development in 2007. Since then, he has helped to lead the development staff to outstanding fundraising totals each of the last four years, and the department surpassed its 2011 fiscal year goal by more than 20 percent. In 2009, Arkansas Business named Power to its “40 Under 40” list of rising young professionals in the state. He has served as a board and committee member of the Northwest Arkansas AFP Chapter, as a board member of the Fayetteville Creative School, a Watchdog Dad at Butterfield Trail Elementary and a member of the First United Presbyterian Church.

Arvest Bank has grown across four states since its inception in 1961, and the corporation has maintained a strong connection at the local level. Last spring, Arvest initiated a company-wide effort to fight hunger in more than 90 communities served by the bank, setting a goal of raising the equivalent of 1 million meals to aid local organizations fighting hunger. In addition to this effort, Arvest undertook a three-year, $250,000 commitment to Habitat for Humanity, resulting in houses in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas. Through the years, Arvest has benefited Ozark Guidance Center, Seven Hills Homeless Shelter, Peace at Home Family Shelter, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund and the NWA Children’s Shelter just to name a few. Arvest has and will continue to be a corporate citizen that promotes giving and involvement for the entire company.

The university congratulates all honorees receiving awards this year, many with close ties to the University of Arkansas.