Editor’s note: The celebration of local philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter is set for Nov. 14 at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman. The Business Journal is highlighting this year’s National Philanthropy Day honorees in a series of stories.

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Butler Institute American Holiday Committee is this year’s honoree as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group. 

The three-day American Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, which is not taking place this year, is normally scheduled for the first weekend of December at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown.  

“It’s been one of our main, largest fundraisers for going on 50 years,” Rebecca Davis, the museum’s development director, says. 

Davis nominated the committee and its former chairwoman, the late Cynthia Anderson, for the award. “Cynthia’s vision and spirit remain deeply embedded in the show’s culture,” she also wrote. 

The committee, which averages 25 members, is responsible for decorating the museum, selecting themes and entertainment, assisting with vendor load-in and load-out, managing ticket sales and check-in, providing vendor support and staffing the silent auction, Davis wrote in her nomination. 

Anderson, who led the committee from 2012 to 2023, recruited several of its members from the museum’s docents and her personal friends, Audrea Neri recalls. Neri has been a member of the committee for about seven years and is its current chairwoman. 

“It’s our heartbeat,” she reflects. “The Butler depends on events like this for funding, as well as membership, as well as endowments and grants. A lot goes into supporting this treasure. We all may not all have formal art backgrounds, but we all have love of art, and we want to promote this treasure.”

When Liz Bulkley Testa first moved back to the Mahoning Valley from Raleigh, N.C., the mixed media artist had a booth at the event but eventually decided she wanted to help with the show instead. She has been involved with it for about 10 years. 

“I’ve just always been passionate about the arts, supporting local, supporting Youngstown,” Testa says. She describes the museum as “a hidden gem” in the community because many people don’t realize the quality of its collection.

“In most cities, you can’t walk into a museum for free, so keeping that going is important to us,” she says. “Things like the holiday show were a good fundraiser to help raise money to continue making it free to our community.”

In the nomination, Davis estimated that the event has raised millions of dollars to support the museum. 

The juried show faces increased competition from similar events but what makes it stand out is the quality of the items that can be purchased, Testa says. 

“People enjoy coming here because you’re getting a quality, beautiful gift that you can’t usually get at your regular craft show. You might spend a little more, but you’re going home with a piece of art,” she remarks. 

Like other honorees this year, Neri and Testa point to the value of volunteerism in philanthropy, which often is automatically associated with just writing out a check.

Pictured at top: Butler Institute American Holiday Committee member Liz Bulkley Testa and chairwoman Audrea Neri.