Professional Photographers of America (PPA) has awarded Bob Coates of Bob Coates Photography the BUDDY M. STEWART AWARD at the 2011 annual convention in San Antonio Texas. This award is presented to individuals, couples and/or business partners for unheralded humanitarian service while representing the profession of Photography.
The award is not necessarily conferred each year and a maximum of 25 may be given. As of 2011, only two have been awarded.
Ralph Romegara of New Orleans, Louisana, who serves on the National PPA board and submitted Coates’ name said, “The late Buddy Stewart was a great photographer, but more importantly a great humanitarian. Bob Coates was the perfect fit for this year’s award. Always sharing his photographic knowledge with his fellow photographers, Bob also finds time to give back to his community. To say it in one word, Bob Coates is a giver.”
Coates came to the attention of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) board through his work raising money for the Sedona Community Center Meals on Wheels program. His ‘Flowers for Food’ calendar project raised over $7,500. Bob also volunteers as a photographer and trainer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. NILMDTS is an organization helping families through a time of mourning who have lost a child through stillbirth or birth defects by photographing sessions and offering the gift of photography at no charge.
In addition to serving the photographic industry as an educator and writer sharing his photographic and business knowledge with fellow photographers, Coates has served on the board of the Arizona Professional Photographers Association (AZPPA) for ten years with two of those years as President.
“I was amazed and somewhat overwhelmed when I received the call from PPA President Louis Tonsmiere that I was to receive the award,” said
Coates. “Getting this award from our national organization of over 25,000 members was a shock. While getting recognition for service is nice that’s not why I do it. I’ve just been fortunate to be successful enough over the years that I have the time to share with other photographers and give back to the community using my photography skills. The charity work that I’ve done is very much a tribute to my dad, Joseph Coates, who was one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve known.”
The Sedona Times Publishing and SedonaEye.com are proud to recognize Bob Coates for this professional achievement, and we want to thank and acknowledge Bob for his “giving” work on behalf of Sedona’s Meals on Wheels and NILMDTS organizations. Thank you, the late Joseph Coates, for being a fine example of good parenting.
