Bill Hana, a fixture at the state Capitol for years, received a standing ovation today when he was awarded the Public Service Lifetime Achievement award from the Colorado Nonprofit Association at its annual awards gala.

Gov. John Hickenlooper presented the award to Hanna, who is crediting with helping “shape the public service, nonprofit and political landscape of Colorado since his arrival in 1971.” Hanna was well known for his legislative work for the state Department of Human Services and now is the legislative liaison for the United Veterans Committee.

Hanna was one of several award recipients today at the lunch, which was held at the Denver Marriott City Center as part of Colorado Nonprofit Association Week. Renny Fagan, the president and CEO of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, kicked off the event by noting the the impact of nonprofit organizations on the state.

Sens. John Kefalas, a Fort Collins Democrat, and Kent Lambert, a Colorado Springs Republican, received the Legislator of the Year awards from the group.

Lydia McCoy, board chairwoman of the Colorado Nonprofit Association and executive director of Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation, compared their work to the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

She said sometimes the constant fundraising and other duties can be overwhelming, but think of what Colorado would be like if nonprofit groups were not there to help out their communities.

Among those who attend the lunch: Mike Hardin, director of Business and Licensing for the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, and Chris Cash, who oversees charity registrations at the office.

Other award winners:

David Miller, the former president and CEO of The Denver Foundation, received the Steve Graham Award for Building Nonprofit Capacity. It was presented by Tim Schultz, president and executive director of the Boettcher Foundation.

“5280 Magazine” received the Excellence in Media Award. It was presented by Christine Marquez-Hudson, the new president and CEO of The Denver Foundation.

Rick Doucet and Linda Weise, of the Community Reach Center in Adams County and the Colorado Springs Conservatory, respectively, both received the William Funk Award for Building Stronger Communities. They received their awards from Katie Kramer, vice president and assistant executive director for the Boettcher Foundation.

Sen. Lambert received his award from Attorney General Cynthia Coffman. Sen. Kefalas received his from state Treasurer Walker Stapleton.

To read more posts by Lynn Bartels, visit her official blog at the Colorado Secretary of State website.