Benevolence and compassion were rewarded at the National Philanthropy Day Awards celebration, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River Chapter. The event, which was held at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, honors the outstanding philanthropic achievements of individuals and businesses; honorees are nominated by local non-profit organizations.
Vaughn and Nancy Bryson, nominated by Childcare Resources of Indian River, were recognized as Outstanding Individual Philanthropists, for their generous contributions not only to Childcare Resources but also to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, allowing for the expansion of both organizations into the community.
Roger and Nancy Lynch were, nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County, were awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award in absentia, as they were unable to attend the event. Mr. Lynch serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs, and has been active on their Resource Development and Capital Campaign committees. Mrs. Lynch was instrumental in the foundation of Impact 100 in Indian River County and continues in the leadership of that organization.
Syngenta Crop Protection was awarded Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist for its contributions to the Education Foundation of Indian River County, especially its sponsorship of the Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair and a generous gift to fund the construction of an outdoor classroom at Storm Grove Middle School.
Cornelia Perez, winner of the Unsung Hero Award, was nominated by the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian County, and recognized for her tireless support of those “who cannot speak for themselves.” Perez has been active with the HSVB & IRC since she first began volunteering in 1983 and helped spearhead the $3.5 million building campaign for the new shelter.
Other honorees included Susanne Bertman, nominated by Hibiscus Children’s Center; Harry Bolwell, nominated by the University of Florida Center for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine; James Davis, nominated by Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach; Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, nominated by Indian River State College Foundation and United Way of IRC; Barbara Becker Hurley, nominated by the Mental Health Association and Vero Heritage, Inc.; Col. And Mrs. John Mitchell, nominated by the VNA & Hospice foundation; Joanna Meyers, nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of IRC; PNC Wealth Management, nominated by Atlantic Classical Orchestra; Dr. Robert Rappel, nominated by Treasure coast Community Health; Marta Schneider, nominated by Children’s Home Society of Florida Treasure Coast Division; Michael Schwartz, nominated by Indian River Habitat for Humanity and R. Champlin and Debbie Sheridan, nominated by Indian River Medical Center Foundation.
The AFPIR Chapter, formed in 2006, consists of 63 members representing local non-profit fund development professionals, advisors and volunteers. The National Philanthropy Day Award celebration was presented by sponsor George E. Warren Corporation and co-chaired by Robyn Orzel and Mary-Ruth Foley. {igallery 97}