The Quad Cities Association of Fundraising Professionals will celebrate five local philanthropists as the winners of AFP’s annual National Philanthropy Day awards.
The association is planning a cocktail party to mark National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rhythm City Casino, Davenport.
National Philanthropy Day is observed to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy — and those active in the philanthropic community — to the enrichment of our world, the group said in a news release.
The Quad Cities AFP will present these awards at the event:
- Outstanding Philanthropists: Jim and Michelle Russell. One of AFP’s highest honors, it recognizes an individual or couple making a monumental impact through their support of local community nonprofit organizations. The Russells were nominated by Sara Connors, digital content manager at Russell, Davenport.
- Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Joscelyn Rowe, CFRE. 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 other planned giving. Ms. Rowe was nominated by Mary Egger, development director at Family Resources, Davenport.
- Outstanding volunteer fundraiser: Wynne Schafer. This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for charitable organizations. She was nominated by Patrick Downing, director of development at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport.
- Outstanding Civic Service Organization: Royal Neighbors of America. This award honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support as well as encouragement and motivation of others toward philanthropy and community involvement. Royal Neighbors, headquartered in Rock Island, was nominated by Megan Tarasi, director of annual giving at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.
- Outstanding Youth: Cherie Henningsen and the North Scott Service Club. This award recognizes service by a young person (up to age 18) or group who demonstrates exceptional commitment and community leadership through their guidance and dedication to philanthropy. The North Scott Service Club was nominated by Marcie Ordaz, executive director of Lift Women’s Foundation.
For more information or get tickets for the cocktail party, visit www.afpquadcities.com/npd.
AFP Quad Cities is governed by a volunteer board of development professionals representing a diverse group of area nonprofits. Nationally, AFP is an association of professionals throughout the world that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising.
