The late Paul J. Meyer has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference, and Clifton and Betsy Robinson are being honored as Family of the Year.

Paul J. Meyer died at 81 in October from cancer.

He contributed to causes around the world and was especially generous to the Waco area.

He and his wife ran the Paul & Jane Meyer Family Foundation. The philanthropic organization has given away $65 million since 1984.

Local organizations that he donated to include Mission Waco, Family Abuse Center, Baylor University, Compassion Ministries, Caritas, Young Life, Avance Waco and Talitha Koum Nurture Center.

Jane Meyer said her late husband’s legacy, through the foundation’s gifts, will continue to impact Central Texas for years

“This honor, in his memory by the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference, would be especially meaningful to Paul, and it is greatly appreciated by his entire family,” Jane Meyer said. “I am continually overwhelmed by the kind expressions of gratitude we have received since Paul’s passing.”

Robinson family’s efforts

Clifton and Betsy Robinson, being honored as Family of the Year, were good friends of Meyer’s.

Robinson has been a visible booster of Waco, Baylor University and McLennan Community College for many years.

He graduated from Baylor in 1963. He and his wife, Betsy, provide scholarships to underprivileged students through the Honors Program at Baylor and through the MAC Grant program at MCC.

Betsy plays a large civic role and is best known for her efforts in founding and volunteering for Fuzzy Friends, a no-kill animal rescue center in Waco. Her efforts brought her national attention when she received the Jefferson Award, which recognizes civic volunteerism across the country.

Clifton Robinson also has backed several community projects, including public art displays.

Last year, Robinson Media purchased the Waco Tribune-Herald .

Clifton Robinson said his family is flattered to accept the honor, which previously has been bestowed upon local families such as the Michael Kamperman family, Nick and Luanne Klaras, and the Steve Fontaine family.

“We’re just extremely pleased to be in such wonderful company,” Clifton Robinson said.

The awards dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Father Soler Social Hall of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2710 Speight Ave.

Today is the deadline for buying tickets, which cost $20 each and can be reserved at 881-5784.

wgragg@wacotrib.com

757-6901