Congratulations to Scott Thole and Dan Pierson, who are both financial advisers with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and dedicated volunteers with Chicago HOPE Dollars for Scholars. The pair are finalists for the national Volunteer Team Award presented by the Invest In Others Charitable Foundation. The award competition annually recognizes advisers across the United States for exemplary leadership within their communities.

As award judge and Investment News editor Jim Pavia writes in his announcement of the nominees:

"Although the Bernie Madoffs and R. Allen Stanfords of the world have dominated media attention, the fact is that most financial advisers are good, honest people who put their clients' interests first and in many cases look to give back to their communities. ... These people are truly remarkable individuals. I am not just talking about the finalists; I am speaking of all 400 advisers nominated by their peers or companies."

Being selected to the small group of finalists is a terrific honor for Scott, Dan, and Chicago HOPE Dollars for Scholars, and could be a windfall for the chapter as well: winning charities will receive a $10,000 donation at the Invest In Others awards banquet September 30 in New York City.