Martha Scott Smith At the 25th Anniversary of the United Way of the Midlands Humanitarian of the Year award, the Palmetto Society will recognize Martha Scott Smith for her outstanding servant leadership to the Midlands community.

The award honors those who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in philanthropy and human services and who exert a major impact on changing and improving conditions for Midlands residents.

Smith is a founding member of Women in Philanthropy, president of the Columbia Urban League Guild, vice- chair of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism, and a member of the SC State University Board of Trustees. She has served as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, Midlands Technical College Foundation, the South Carolina State Museum, and South Carolina Voices for Children.

As a volunteer, she developed the operational manual for the Columbia Urban League's Summer Work Experience Program, which has provided work experience for more than 10,000 youth. As chair of the College Summit committee, she helped raise more than $400,000 to assist low income students with college access.

"Martha Scott Smith is passionate about people. She has often been a trailblazer, serving as the first black female chair of the American Red Cross board, the SC State Museum Board, and the Midlands Technical College Foundation. Despite her personal accomplishments, her focus has always been on others and what she can do to help each person reach their full potential," said Pamela Lackey, president of AT&T in South Carolina.

The black tie event will be February 26 at 6:30 pm at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Registration is required and available at uway.org.