More than 600 of Columbus’ most philanthropic-minded individuals came together last week for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Ohio Chapter's National Philanthropy Day recognizing extraordinary generosity, selflessness, innovation and leadership in giving, volunteering and engagement.
The annual event, celebrating its 27th anniversary year in Central Ohio, honored those who have significantly impacted the community through their volunteer and philanthropic efforts with a celebratory lunch and awards ceremony at the Hilton Columbus. The National Philanthropy Day luncheon was emceed by NBC4 anchor, Matt Barnes, and AFP Central Ohio Board President, Laura Baker of WOSU Public Media and is reflective of the philanthropic spirit that characterizes Central Ohio.
Next Level Trainings was awarded the Small Corporation of the Year Award. Since 2014, our Vision and Impact Program participants have raised nearly $3.5-million for local organizations, creating a ripple of service and philanthropy throughout Central Ohio and the Philadelphia region.
“Our honorees are making tremendous investments and impact to uplift our community, and they are doing so despite challenges in the economy,” said Laura Baker, President, AFP Central Ohio. “We salute their efforts to change our world for the better and applaud their selfless giving.”
The 27th annual award honorees recognized were:
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser- Andrew Levitt (Nina West)
Outstanding Small Corporation – Next Level Trainings
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group – Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board
Leave a Legacy Award (Presented by the Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio) – Joe Chlapaty
Big Lots Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award – Bexley Sleep Out
Outstanding Foundation – Ariel Foundation
Outstanding Professional Fundraiser – Donna Zuiderweg
Outstanding Large Corporation – American Electric Power
The Columbus Foundation Outstanding Philanthropist Award – Philip and Barbara Derrow
Watch Abraham Alexander's acceptance speech.
This award is your award. These are your results. We would like to acknowledge, first and foremost, each and every CSP captain who has created truly unparalleled results and all VIP graduates who stretched themselves further than they could have dreamed to raise funds, collect goods, and transform physical spaces. It takes a village, and we could not be more proud to have each and every one of you as part of ours. Special thanks are due to graduate Kathy McKenzie for taking on the nomination process for this prestigious award and Maryhaven, a benefitting non-profit, for being the official nominator. We also want to acknowledge our incredible staff, Abraham Alexander, Stephen Thomas, and Joe Henderson who fearlessly lead all our Vision and Impact Programs.
Watch the video above that was played at the awards ceremony.
###