DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 26, 2023) — The Quad Cities Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is hosting a cocktail party in honor of National Philanthropy Day on November 15, 2023, at Rhythm City Casino, 6:30-8:30PM. During the party, five local philanthropists will be honored and named as winners of annual National Philanthropy Day awards. The purpose of National Philanthropy Day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy — and those active in the philanthropic community — to the enrichment of our world.
The five philanthropists to be recognized are as follows:
Outstanding Philanthropists: Jim and Michelle Russell
One of AFP’s highest honors, this award is given to an individual or couple who make a monumental impact in the community through their support of local non-profit organizations. Winners have a proven record of exceptional generosity and fundraising leadership. Through direct financial support, they have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, encouraging others to take philanthropic leadership roles. Jim and Michelle Russell were nominated by Sara Connors, Digital Content Manager, Russell Construction.
Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Joscelyn Rowe, CFRE
This award recognizes an outstanding individual with an enduring record of exceptional leadership skills in inspiring and motivating others to leave a philanthropic legacy through estate-giving, charitable bequests, or another planned-giving vehicle. Rowe was nominated by Mary Egger, Development Director, Family Resources.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Wynne Schafer
This award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable organizations. Shafer was nominated by Patrick Downing, Director of Development, Figge Art Museum.
Outstanding Civic Service Organization: Royal Neighbors of America
This award honors an organization that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. Winners have a proven record of exceptional generosity and leadership. Royal Neighbors of America was nominated by Megan Tarasi, Director of Annual Giving, St Ambrose University.
Outstanding Youth: Cherie Henningsen and the North Scott Service Club
This award recognizes service by a young person or group, through age eighteen, who demonstrates exceptional commitment and leadership in the community through his/her guidance and dedication to philanthropy. The North Scott Service Club was nominated by Marcie Ordaz, Executive Director of Lift Women’s Foundation.
For more information and to get tickets to this event(s), visit afpquadcities.com/npd.
About AFP Quad Cities
AFP Quad Cities is governed by a volunteer board of development professionals representing a diverse group of non-profit organizations in the Quad Cities. Locally, we strive to be the premier fundraising resource for professionals to learn, collaborate, and grow together for a vibrant Quad Cities community. Nationally, AFP is an association of professionals throughout the world that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing, and advocacy.
