Honoree Joseph MarcAurele and his wife, Meredith.

The Humanitarian Award given out annually in Providence by the Denver-based National Jewish Medical and Research Center went to Citizens Bank president Joseph J. MarcAurele.

He picked up the accolade during a luncheon on May 7 at the Westin Hotel in Providence. About 250 guests, mostly businessmen, attended the celebration, which included putting a spotlight on businessman Jarrold L. Lavine for becoming involved in raising money for National Jewish Medical and Research Center.

“It’s important to support meaningful organizations that better lives,” said MarcAurele, who sat at a front table with his wife, Meredith. “That’s what we should all be doing.”

The luncheon netted $80,000.

Allergist and asthma specialist Dr. John Zwetchkenbaum, who trained at National Jewish, said that, in his practice, he still “feels the influence of the hospital.” He added, “National Jewish forces doctors to think out of the box.”

Several past recipients of the award, including the Providence Journal’s Howard Sutton, and Heidi Kirk Duffy, David Duffy, and Marilyn and Jim Winoker attended. Former Gov. Bruce Sundlun was in the audience. Governor Carcieri and Providence Mayor David Cicilline spoke briefly; Johnson & Wales University’s John J. Bowen acted as emcee.