AFP will honor five local philanthropists

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) IL, Quad Cities Chapter, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation are hosting National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Rhythm City Casino, Davenport. 

The event, which will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will feature an awards program,  presentations, networking opportunities, and a welcome breakfast.

During the breakfast, five local philanthropists will be honored and named as winners of the 2024 National Philanthropy Day award. The purpose of National Philanthropy Day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy — and those active in the philanthropic community — to the enrichment of our world.

The five philanthropists to be recognized are:

Outstanding Philanthropists: Linda and J. Randolph Lewis. One of AFP’s highest honors, this award is given to an individual or couple who make a monumental impact in the community through their support of local nonprofit Organizations. The Lewis’ were nominated by Sara Morby, development officer, Figge Art Museum, Davenport. 

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Anika Martin. This award recognizes an outstanding individual with an enduring record of exceptional leadership skills in inspiring and motivating others to leave a philanthropic legacy through estate giving, charitable bequests or another planned giving vehicle. Ms. Martin was nominated by Micaela Booth, director of Birdies for Charity for the John Deere Classic.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Decker Ploehn. This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable organizations. Mr. Ploehn was nominated by Rene Gellerman, CEO of United Way Quad Cities.

Outstanding Civic Service Organization: Wastyn and Associates. This award honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. Winners have a proven record of exceptional generosity and leadership. Wastyn and Associates was nominated by Brian Allen, executive director of the German American Heritage Center and Museum.

Outstanding Planned Giving Professional: Molly O’Meara Schnell and Melissa Hancock. This award recognizes outstanding individuals with enduring records of exceptional leadership skills in inspiring and motivating others to leave a philanthropic legacy through estate giving, charitable bequests or other planned giving vehicles. They were nominated by Anne Calder and the Quad City Planned Giving Council.

The National Philanthropy Day local event is supported by: Presenting Sponsor: Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors, Robin Scott and Catherine Dittmer; Altruistic Sponsors: TWB Fundraising, Wastyn & Associates, Rhythm City Casino, and Quad City Planned Giving Council. 

For more information and to get tickets to this event, visit www.afpquadcities.com.