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 – This year’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser honoree is Rev. Lewis Macklin II, pastor at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown. 

Philanthropic efforts Macklin has been involved with over the years include the capital campaign supporting the renovation of Rayen Stadium. He also is a co-founder of the African American Male Wellness Initiative, which annually hosts an event featuring a 5K walk/run, health screenings, information displays and community resources. 

Macklin was nominated by his daughter, Ashley.

“He generously offers his time and resources, especially for the betterment of all,” she wrote in her nomination letter. 

Macklin, who says he has “an affinity for the elderly” after being partially raised by his grandmother and great-grandmother, earned a bachelor of arts degree in gerontology in 1989 and  became a licensed social worker. He worked for various nonprofit social organizations before finally becoming a full-time minister in 2000.

Macklin recalls an early lesson his father imparted to him. When he was in a junior high school play, he and his fellow cast members were tasked with asking family and friends to buy ads to underwrite the cost of putting on the show. 

While his classmates’ parents took out ads wishing their children well, his father’s well wishes were directed at the entire cast and crew. 

“‘Why would I do that just for you? I want everybody to be successful,’” Macklin recalls his father saying. 

Not being singled out by his father bothered him at first. As he grew older, he viewed the episode differently. 

“Imagine that concept of community where you understand that if one is successful, all must be, and if one is struggling, then all are struggling,” he reflects. “That’s a lesson I learned from him.” 

With former Youngstown State University head football coach Jim Tressel, Macklin spearheaded the $3 million Rayen Stadium capital campaign in 2011. The “beautiful facility” serves as “testimony to the resiliency of our community,” he remarks. 

The event that Macklin helped found as the Mahoning Valley Youngstown-Warren African American Male Wellness Walk is now in its 13th year. It is staged in memory of late Youngstown businessman Myke Clarett.

“We wanted to honor him because he did a lot of great work, particularly through mentoring,” he says.

 The wellness event is “set up like a festival,” he says. It took place in his church’s parking lot during its first year, and then was moved to Covelli Centre.

“We never anticipated community response was going to be so great,” he says. In addition to the walk, the event features access to health screenings, information and other community resources, all at no cost to attendees.  

People need to understand that philanthropy doesn’t just mean giving of one’s wealth but also of one’s time, he says. 

“If our community is going to be a vibrant, healthy community, there has to be all hands on deck. You know, we all have to do something to help and invest,” he adds. 

Pictured at top: Rev. Lewis Macklin II, pastor at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.