Groups that rely on private donations - whether they are advocacy groups like Egale, hospitals, universities, etc. - tend to give their big honours to people who give or raise a lot of money, not necessarily to people who've done the most important on-the-ground work.

For example, I work at a hospital affiliated with a university and when you walk around both the hospital and campus, msot of the buildings, wings, libraries, etc. are all named after people who've given money, not after professors, doctors, etc. I guess I figure that if that helps them take in much-needed money, then why not? I know that my research wouldn't be possible without people giving. If naming something after them or presenting them with an award encourages this, then so be it.