Outgoing board member Frank McGonagle presented the Fourth Annual Alan and Delwyn Breslau Award to longtime Society member and volunteer George Pessotti in 2005. The award is the highest distinction that the Society bestows and honors a Society member who has, through a collaborative spirit, significantly enhanced the burn survivor community with his or her character and integrity, and the service he or she provides to those affected by a burn injury.

George has served the Society as a member of the board of trustees, including in the role of President, as well as that of interim executive director, following founder Alan Breslau's retirement. He has played a major role in shaping The Phoenix Society and positioning it as a world leader in peer-based recovery services.

In presenting the award, Frank praised George's service to the Society as a volunteer, mentor and donor and described him as "a tireless giver who has raised in excess of $150,000 for the Society."

"His dedication to fund development for the organization has played a particularly important role in our success," remarked Amy Acton. ‘The program most dear to his heart is WBC and he has personally supported hundreds to attend over the years. He has ‘paid it forward' over and over again!"