Those who help out in the Colorado Springs community were recognized for their generosity.

Awards were given out at the 11th annual Partners in Philanthropy luncheon Wednesday at the Broadmoor Hotel.

Gayle Beshears was the winner of the Outstanding Individual Donor award. Beshears was instrumental in bringing the first digital mammography machine to Colorado Springs, which has already saved many lives.

"You need to give back," Beshears says. "I've been extremely fortunate in my life. I've been blessed like you wouldn't believe, and it's now time to share it, give it back, and I love doing it."

Beshears' wife battled breast cancer. He also lost his mother and sister to that disease.

The Pikes Peak United Way nominated him for the award for making such a difference in Colorado Springs.