DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 21, 2024) — The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) IL, Quad Cities Chapter and the Quad Cities Community Foundation are hosting National Philanthropy Day on November 13, 2024 at Rhythm City Casino, 8:30AM-1:30PM. The event will feature an awards program, presentations, networking opportunities, and a welcome breakfast. At 10:30AM, the awards ceremony will conclude and the second half of the event will begin with a screening and facilitated discussion of Uncharitable, a powerful documentary that offers ideas and perspectives on how philanthropists can give in ways that offer nonprofits the freedom — and confidence — to change the world.
During the breakfast, five local philanthropists will be honored and named as winners of the 2024 National Philanthropy Day award. 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: Linda and J Randolph Lewis
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. The Lewis’ were nominated by Sara Morby, Development Officer, Figge Art Museum.
Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Anika Martin
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. Ms Martin was nominated by Micaela Booth, Director, Birdies for Charity, John Deere Classic.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Decker Ploehn
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. Decker Ploehn was nominated by Rene Gellerman, CEO of United Way Quad Cities.
Outstanding Civic Service Organization: Wastyn and Associates
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. Wastyn and Associates was nominated by Brian Allen, Executive Director of the German American Heritage Center and Museum.
Outstanding Planned Giving Professional: Molly O’Meara Schnell and Melissa Hancock
The Outstanding Planned Giving Professional Award recognizes outstanding individuals with enduring records of exceptional leadership skills in inspiring and motivating others to leave a philanthropic legacy through estate giving, charitable bequests or other planned giving vehicles. This award is presented by AFP-Quad Cities in collaboration with the Quad City Planned Giving Council — a peer membership organization which exists to promote planned giving education for practitioners and to encourage legacy giving by people seeking charitable causes. Molly O’Meara Schnell and Melissa Hancock were nominated by Anne Calder and the Quad City Planned Giving Council.
For more information and to get tickets to this event(s), visit https://www.afpquadcities.com/.
About AFP Quad Cities
AFP Quad Cities is governed by a volunteer board of development professionals representing a diverse group of nonprofit 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.
About Quad Cities Community Foundation
The Quad Cities Community Foundation is the place where generous people in the Quad Cities (and beyond!) make gifts to support their community, organizations and causes most important to them. We are a public charity committed to listening to our donors’ charitable goals and working alongside them to help them best meet their hopes and dreams.
National Philanthropy Day Event Schedule
8-8:30AM: Registration with light breakfast options
8:30AM: Welcome from Catherine Dittmer and Robin Scott, sponsors Merrill Lynch
8:40–9:30AM: Eric Weinheimer Presentation
9:30-10AM: Awards Presentation
10-10:30AM: Photo opportunity
10:30AM: Uncharitable Movie
12-2PM: Box lunch and discussion
Presenting Sponsor: Merrill Lynch Financial Advisors, Robin Scott and Catherine Dittmer
Altruistic Sponsors: TWB Fundraising, Wastyn and Associates, Rhythm City Casino, Quad City Planned Giving Council.
