BOARDMAN TOWNSHIP, Ohio – The role of community was a frequent theme expressed by honorees at the 2025 National Philanthropy Day Awards luncheon hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter.
“Our honorees today are examples of selflessness, generosity and dedication to the idea that we are all better together,” said Luke Politsky, AFP Mahoning-Shenango Chapter president.
This year’s event, which was held Friday at Mr. Anthony’s Event Center and hosted by WFMJ Today co-anchor Steve Vesey, recognized honorees in eight categories:
- Outstanding Philanthropist: Fred Moran and Family.
- Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist: Daprile Insurance Group.
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II.
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group: The Butler Institute of American Art American Holiday Committee.
- Outstanding Youth Philanthropist: Isabella Williams.
- Outstanding Foundation: Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.
- Legacy Award (presented posthumously): David and Benita Penner of Blessed Memory.
- Special Recognition for Valley Impact: Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley Volunteers.
Katelynn McBee, who co-chaired Friday’s event with Paige Fortner, said the event committee was “overwhelmed” by the nominations that were submitted. “We are truly fortunate to have so many in our Valley who wish to give back and do good,” she said.
The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley “is at its heart a reflection of the people that make up this Valley,” said Casey Krell, foundation president. “Every fund, every initiative, every grant we make exists because someone cared enough to act,” she said. She attributed the foundation’s strength to “the powerful network of partners who come together in a shared belief in what our region can be.”
Amy Daprile, who with her husband, Anthony, co-owns Daprile Insurance Group, thanked Chrissi Jenkins, chief growth officer at Potential Development School for Students with Autism, who nominated their business, as well as the school itself.
“We know we made a donation, but what you did with that money is just spectacular,” she said. “It’s not just a school – it’s a community. What they do for their students and their families is just spectacular.”
“Giving always gives back,” Moran said, citing a Christian Post study conducted by top universities, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford. The study revealed that people who are givers see benefits of delayed mortality, reduced depression, increased sense of well being and good fortune.
“Being a giver is not limited to just writing a check to your favorite cause,” the retired owner of Window World Penn Ohio added. “It can mean giving of your time, giving of your talent, giving of your kindness, your friendship and your love. These are all forms of giving.”
The Penners, who established a legacy gift of more than $3 million to benefit area charitable organizations, “continue to brighten our community every single day,” said Courtney Capesi, financial resource development director for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
“Their legacy reflects the truest form of tzedakah, giving not for recognition but from the heart,” she remarked. “David and Benita believed that when we lift others, we strengthen the whole community.”
Williams, a Hubbard High School graduate and Youngstown State University student who has raised more than $12,000 for Potential Development School for Autism through her Shoot for a Change fundraiser since the first one in 2023, expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that her efforts have opened for her.
“You have taken a 16-year-old who reached out to you wanting to make a difference. You have helped me find who I am and gave me a passion for the education system,” she said.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the fact that I’m here because of my village – you,” said Macklin, lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church since 1997. “I do what I do because we all do it collectively.” In addition to his family, he also praised his church community for allowing him to go “wherever the need was” and not limit him to Holy Trinity.
“It has truly been incredible to be part of such an amazing team of volunteers and leaders,” said Liz Bulkley Testa, speaking on behalf of the Butler Institute American Holiday Committee at The Butler Institute of American Art.
Testa recalled attending the American Holiday Arts & Crafts Show that the committee hosts annually, first with her mother, who was a vendor, and, years later, as a vendor herself, with her own daughter assisting her.
“In that moment, I realized just how remarkable this show is, what the Butler has brought to life year after year, through dedication and tradition, but, most importantly, the commitment of the volunteers, the talent of the artist, the passion for the arts, for the Butler and for Youngstown,” she said. “This entire show is made possible because volunteers pour their hearts into it to see everything come together.”
David Redig, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley, spoke of the work his organization does with prospective homeowners, including the financial literacy classes to prepare them for homeownership and the work done alongside volunteers to build the houses.
“That’s really why we are here today. We do that internally at Habitat, with our families,” he said. “But we also, if you think about it, that’s what we do as a community together. We are collaborators. We work together. We partner to increase our community, to increase success and increase impact, and that’s the key that shines forth today in this room.”
Pictured at top: Paige Fortner, Fred Moran and Katelynn McBee.