YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This year’s commemoration of National Philanthropy Day represents a return to normal for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter
In 2020, the annual recognition of local philanthropy focused on the efforts of nearly two dozen individuals and organizations to deal with the effects of the pandemic.
This year the chapter will shine its spotlight on seven honorees at its awards luncheon, Nov. 12 at Waypoint 4180 in Canfield.
The 2020 celebration of National Philanthropy Day was a hybrid event, which limited in-person attendance to 100.
The local AFP chapter made the decision to focus on the “COVID-19 Heroes” at its recognition event last year, when many other chapters canceled their events, says event co-chairman Luke Politsky, director of development for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
“Last year it was necessary for us to pivot,” he says. “But it’s nice to get back to our normal categories.”
“For an event that focuses on the community, it was tough to do it virtually,” adds co-chairman Tyler Adams, director of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter.
“One thing that we’re anticipating and excited about for this year is having a sense of community again, filling the space with people who are being honored and driving that energy from the community itself,” Adams says.
From 12 nominees, the National Philanthropy Day committee chose to recognize these seven:
Outstanding Philanthropists – Greg and Alice Greenwood.
Legacy Award – Marion G. Resch.
Special Recognition for Valley Impact – Ellen Tressel.
Outstanding Small-Business Philanthropist – Thompson Insurance Group.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Scott R. Schulick.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group – Lou Blaney Family Volunteers.
Outstanding Young Philanthropists – Layups for Lucy.
The awards program honors work being done for the community by people who may be more familiar to the public for their other roles – Ellen Tressel, for example, first lady of Youngstown State University.
“It’s wonderful to recognize folks who have made an impact at an organization or a few organizations,” says Politsky. “Scott Schulick, for example – I don’t know of a board Scott is not on.”
Many of the honorees cite the examples set by their parents as drivers of their philanthropy, along with a belief in the causes they support.
Pictured: Tyler Adams and Luke Politsky are co-chairmen of the chapter’s awards event.