This Sunday, moms throughout the country will (had better!) rise to breakfast in bed, flowers at their doorsteps, and more chocolate than they’ll know what to do with. But for the Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to raising money for philanthropies that benefit mothers, fathers, and children, these tokens of appreciation are not enough.

Motherhood is both an exceptionally challenging and rewarding job, and it deserves to be recognized as such.

On Thursday, the National Mother’s Day Committee, an entity of the council, will honor four high-profile mothers at the 35th Annual Outstanding Mother Awards.

“We nominate exceptional women leaders who successfully balance the demands of career and motherhood,” the group said in an email to Associations Now. “Consideration is given to a variety of achievement areas, such as the reach and impact of her professional life, her personal commitment/involvement to family and family-related activities, and her participation in organizations and causes that effect positive change in the community and the world.”

This year, the honorees include Margarita Arriagada, chief merchant for Sephora, Ariana Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, Dottie Mattison, senior managing director of Guggenheim Partners, and actress Debra Messing.

“Outstanding Mother Award honorees include women from areas of government and politics, Hollywood and entertainment, fashion, beauty, sports, finance, philanthropy, and media,” the group said. “While having high-profile nominees does contribute to the excitement of the event, because it honors motherhood and family, rather than focusing solely on professional achievement, our honorees consider it to be a meaningful and heart-centered recognition.”

The Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council has helped raise more than $35 million for its partner charities. Since 2008, the Outstanding Mother Awards has benefited the anti-poverty organization Save the Children.

“Honoring important causes and achievements is a vital part of American culture,” said Dana Verrill, executive director of the council. “Motherhood is both an exceptionally challenging and rewarding job, and it deserves to be recognized as such. With the support of extraordinary honorees and generous industry leaders, we have been very fortunate to build a track record of success and consistency in our philanthropic endeavors.”

How will you honor your mother—or another important woman in your life—this weekend? Tell us about it in the comments.

Ariana Huffington, one of the group's honorees. (photo by rappaportcenter/Flickr)