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 – Isabella Williams’ philanthropy comes from a personal place.
The Hubbard High School graduate and first-year Youngstown State University student was nominated to be this year’s Outstanding Youth Fundraiser honoree by Jodi Harmon, director of marketing and special events at Potential Development School for Students with Autism.
Harmon describes Williams’ heart, hustle and hometown spirit as infectious.
“It was a no-brainer,” she reflects.
Williams says she became involved with Potential Development after her cousin became a student at its high school.
“My cousin was overlooked growing up a lot in school because of his autism. He was just pushed along, and he struggled a lot,” she says. Members of the autism community don’t receive as much help as they need sometimes and opportunities in a school setting are rare.
When her cousin started at Potential Development, he received extra educational help and was able to participate in sports and events like school dances. Students “had more opportunities, and I was grateful for that,” she says.
Williams’ sense of gratitude led her to create Shoot for a Change, a benefit basketball game to raise money for the school that began in 2023. She centered the event around basketball because both she and her cousin are passionate about the sport, she says.
Harmon recalls Williams reaching out to her in 2022.
“She wanted to do a basketball game for our students, knowing that it was difficult for them to find teams to play, so they only had a few games on their agenda,” she says. “Just speaking with her, she was so well spoken and so energetic, and I could tell that she was going to make this an event that would last, for sure.”
At the event, which took place at Hubbard High School, Potential Development’s team competes against Hubbard students in varsity and junior varsity games. There also are basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle and concession and T-shirt sales to benefit the school. Since the first year of the event, it has raised more than $12,000.
“She didn’t just support a cause – she created an opportunity for joy, inclusion and awareness,” Harmon wrote in her nomination.
Over the years, Williams reports she has received support from her high school, her family and the broader community. The school continued to allow her to do it in subsequent years.
“I’ve had teachers donate things. I’ve had students volunteer and donate baskets. I’ve had people just in my community hear about it and show up to the event,” she says. “We’ve also had businesses in the community that were eager to just donate.”
Harmon also cited Williams’ involvement in other Potential Development events, Down Syndrome Association of the Valley Buddy Walk and Red Door Café Soup Kitchen. She also led a schoolwide “Cut for Cancer” event, during which she donated 10 inches of her hair to the nonprofit Children with Hair Loss.
“I’m grateful to be recognized, but at the end of the day, it should be about going forward and finding what you’re passionate about. I’m very passionate about the education system, which is why I want to teach, why I want to give back to students with developmental delays,” she says. “If you find something you’re passionate about, you need to go and do it, no matter how big or how little you think it’s going to be. … It makes a difference, and if you’re passionate about it, it will work out.”
Pictured at top: Outstanding Youth Fundraiser honoree Isabella Williams (right) was nominated by Jodi Harmon, director of marketing and special events at Potential Development.