Granada Hills resident Richard Newcomb, a 20-year advocate fighting homelessness, hunger, and poverty, was honored as the top fundraiser in Los Angeles during a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 14 — National Philanthropy Day — at the Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino.

He received the Outstanding Fundraising Award from the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to honor his work with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California and the nonprofit San Damiano Foundation.

Newcomb is both a board member at Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row and vice president of philanthropy and social enterprise at the mission. “After a 30-year career as an executive in the fashion industry, it has been remarkable to help lead fundraising efforts that enabled the Union Rescue Mission to grow by more than 70% during my seven years as vice of philanthropy,” he said in a prepared statement. “Our success has helped thousands of precious souls leave the streets and begin new lives, thanks to the incredible work of our dedicated staff and leadership, and the unwavering support of our donors and foundations.”

Union Rescue Mission CEO Mark Hood said in a prepared statement, “Thanks to his work, lives are being transformed, families are being restored and more Angelenos are finding their way home. I can think of no better person for this honor, especially on National Philanthropy Day.”