What makes one person give back regularly to the community and another one hold back? Are they wired differently? Perhaps they see something the rest of us don’t. Or perhaps they just instinctively know that giving back enriches their own lives as much as it does the recipient of their thoughtfulness.

Albert Pike said, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

I can guarantee that immortality is not the goal of those who consistently give of their time, talent and treasure to make this world a better place. In fact, most often, these philanthropists don’t seek the limelight. They merely seek to do good.

But if we bestow honor on those who stand tall amongst us, might we inspire others to join their ranks and give back more often?

The Renton Community Foundation believes that to be so.

Therefore, on Feb. 12, the Foundation will induct the first members into the League of Extraordinary Givers at “CELEBRATE! The Love of Community,” a public event at the Renton Pavilion Event Center. The goal is to shine a light on philanthropy and all it does for our community and to honor the selfless dedication of a number of individuals and organizations that make life better for those less fortunate.

There are four major categories of awards.

The “Lifetime of Giving Award” will go to five individuals who have spent decades, not only making cash contributions, but stepping up to sit on nonprofit boards, join committees and task forces, and even roll up their sleeves to volunteer on the front lines. This year’s inductees include Alex and Norma Cugini, King Parker, Marcie Maxwell and Pat Auten. Their combined acts of kindness have contributed to everything from the arts, to the homeless, to at-risk kids, to struggling families, and even kids who need help to graduate. Individually, they have made major commitments to multiple organizations and been instrumental in making an impact on the future of one or more of those organizations and the clients they serve.

The “Patron of the Year Award” is being awarded to Dale Walker, owner of Walker’s Renton Subaru, who helped to raise $24,000 for the Friends of Renton Schools in 2014 through Subaru’s “Share the Love” event.

Meegan Prince will receive the “Rising Star Award” for her efforts in launching The Next Curve, a giving circle comprised of younger professionals who give time, talent and treasure to help the community.

Two “Public Spirit Awards” will be given out this year. The first will go to RotaCare, a collaboration between Renton Rotary, Valley Medical Center and Renton Salvation Army to bring free medical care to those less fortunate. The second award will be given to Karen Bergsvik, Human Services manager for the City of Renton, who has been a major force, both on and off the job, helping the homeless in our area.

It was George Burns who said, “When you stop giving and offering something to the rest of the world, it’s time to turn out the lights.”

I doubt any of these awardees will be turning out the lights any time soon. These awards do not signify the end of their philanthropic journey. For these are the good-deed-doers of the first order. The ones who find it difficult to say no. Age, health, and even financial circumstances don’t seem to make a difference to them. If they can, they will.

After all, they’re the League of Extraordinary Givers – the super heroes amongst us who see a need and ask, “What can I do to help?”