Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, established in 2001 by representatives of over twenty institutions founded by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) in honor of the centennial of his career as a philanthropist. The medal is awarded every two years to one or more philanthropists who, like Andrew Carnegie, have contributed their personal wealth to exemplary initiatives for the benefit of society. The Koç family received the medal in 2009 for its philanthropic contribution to culture, education and health. Rahmi M. Koç attended the award ceremony in New York in November 2009, on behalf of the family, accepting the prize which consists of a custom-made bronze bust of Andrew Carnegie and a bronze medal.