YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This year’s honorees for the National Philanthropy Day awards include business leaders, a fundraiser for area organizations, a group trying to raise awareness and funds to combat cancer, and a set of cousins – the oldest of whom is only 11 – who get together every year for a benefit lemonade stand.
The celebration of local philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter is set for Nov. 15 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman.
JoAnn Stock and Paige Fortner, who are chairing the event, say they are impressed with the passion shown by the honorees, who were selected from about 20 nominees.
“It was a hard decision for the committee in each of the different categories,” says Stock, executive director of Leadership Mahoning Valley and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. “There were many worthy nominees.”
The honorees are attorney John Masternick (Outstanding Philanthropist); Humtown (Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist); Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser); Man Up Mahoning Valley (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group); Harper, Palmer, Landry and Owen’s Lemonade Stand (Outstanding Youth Fundraisers); and the late Ruth Ellen Kyle (Legacy Award).
“They’re all very passionate about their causes and passionate about the community,” Stock says.
Fortner, program manager for Senior Support Action Group, points to the activities of Man Up Mahoning Valley. “They’re not just about putting money back in the community. They’re about saving lives and creating awareness of prostate cancer,” she says.
Each of the honorees stood out for different reasons.
Masternick is continuing the legacy of giving instilled in him by his parents That same spirit of legacy is reflected by the youth fundraiser honorees.
Heschmeyer, who is involved in several causes, is “passionate about everything she does and whatever she does she does right,” Stock says.
Pictured at top: The honorees, seated from left, are: Palmer and Harper Marlowe, Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer, Laura Boomhower and Robin Restivo. Standing: Don Shiley, Larry Restivo, Patti and Steve Burbrink, Mark and Sheri Lamoncha.