Montblanc recently honored actress Rosie O’Donnell with the 2002 Montblanc Arts Patronage Award. As the self-appointed “spokesperson” for Broadway and live theatre, O’Donnell has raised awareness of “The Great White Way” by promoting it on her television show. She has also established the Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation, which supports cultural, intellectual, and social development of at-risk and underserved children. O’Donnell has donated more than $60 million to the fund.

Montblanc created the award in 1992 to honor individuals who have significantly contributed time and resources to enhance arts and culture. Ten patrons are named each year, one each from Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Honorees have included Jane Alexander, Agnes Gund, Tony Randall, David Robinson, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, Susan Sontag, and John Sykes.

In addition, Montblanc each year unveils a Limited Edition Patron of the Arts Writing Instrument, honoring great art and culture advocates throughout history. This year, Montblanc honors Andrew Carnegie for commissioning the Carnegie Hall concert venue, for his support of young talent in the fine arts, and for his financial generosity in donating nearly his entire fortune to art and cultural foundations.