TheWestern New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thank you for recognizing our charitable efforts. Tops Markets is proud to be an integral part of the communities we serve. No One is Useless in this World Who Lightens the Burden of Another. – Charles Dickens –
1 National Philanthropy Day® Luncheon November 16, 2022 Salvatore’s Italian Gardens It is with great pleasure that the members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals WNY Chapter welcome you as we celebrate contributions made by local philanthropists, all of whom dedicate themselves to making our community a better place to live. TODAY WE PROUDLY HONOR David Kersten Earle Hannel Outstanding Fundraising Professional Salvatore Alfiero, posthumous Outstanding Philanthropist GIVE 716 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Tops Friendly Markets Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Buffalo Balloon Company Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business Hope Rises Outstanding Philanthropic Media Grace Koncikowski Outstanding Youth Philanthropist WELCOME Kathryn H. Heidinger, CFRE, President of the AFP WNY Chapter INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY CHAIR AND CO-CHAIR Megan Graves and Caroline Hurley DISTINGUISHED HONOREE RECOGNITION PRESENTATION OF 2022 PHILANTHROPY AWARDS Thank you for joining us today, in paying tribute to these outstanding Western New York Citizens.
2 On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Western New York Chapter and the National Philanthropy Day Planning Committee, we are honored to welcome you to our chapter’s signature event. We are thrilled to come together to recognize and celebrate the individuals, foundations, businesses and organizations whose philanthropic achievements have made a significant impact in our community. Our community is exceptionally fortunate to have the support and generosity of so many remarkable people, individuals committed to changing lives in our community. Congratulations to this year’s incredible award winners! A special thank you to the National Philanthropy Day Planning Committee. This celebratory luncheon would not be possible without your months of dedication, time and energy. Finally, thank YOU for joining us this afternoon. With our giving hearts, together we change lives. Sincerely, Megan S. Graves Caroline Hurley The Foundations of Catholic Health Nardin Academy 2022 NPD Chair 2022 NPD Vice-Chair
3 A LETTER FROM THE AFP WNY PRESIDENT Dear friends, Your generosity and dedication is the reason we are celebrating today! Thank you for believing so deeply in the incredible work done by fundraising professionals across the public sector. Philanthropy has been the engine driving our community through some of the most difficult years of recent memory. We have been humbled to witness acts of immense generosity: from hundreds of thousands of meals delivered to frontline caregivers as a way of saying “thank you” at a time when there were no words, to millions raised to show that hate has no home in our fair city, Western New Yorkers know that philanthropy is love in action. We understand the inherent connection between all of us, and it is because of this connection that we are called to care for one another. At times, this work feels daunting. It is no small task to gather the resources we need to feed the hungry, heal our neighbor, educate the next generation, bring beauty to our world, or house the homeless. But when we work together there is no doubt that our missions will be achieved. I hope that you are inspired by today’s celebration. Thank you for joining the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western New York Chapter as we honor each of you today at the 2022 National Philanthropy Day. Sincerely, Kate Heidinger, CFRE President, AFPWNY Director of Development, Catholic Health
4 We would like to thank all the Nominators of the 2022 NPD Award Winners
5 2022 AWARD WINNERS As you read through the biographies of the Award winners, you will note their philanthropic accomplishments span various non-profit organizations. Award nominations are created based on specific criteria for each award and submitted with the input of multiple organizations. We wish to extend our appreciation to all organizations for their time and collaboration in submitting award nominations allowing us, as a community, to honor all award winners. Award nominations are reviewed and evaluated by an Award Selection Committee. Each nomination is broken down into specific criteria sections and the selection committee members independently vote on each section. Special thanks to our 2022 Award Selection Committee comprised of: Megan S. Graves, The Foundations of Catholic Health, NPD Chair Caroline Hurley, Nardin Academy, NPD Co-Chair Del Reid, 26 Shirts, 2019 Outstanding Philanthropic Small Business Maureen Hanagan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, 2019 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Barbara Macks, Buffalo Spree, 2019 Outstanding Philanthropic Media Robin Lenhard, Buffalo Spree, 2019 Outstanding Philanthropic Media Kelly Campbell, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, 2019 AFPWNY Chapter Rising Star Oliva Larson, 2019 Outstanding Young Philanthropist Susan M. Kirkpatrick, The John R. Oishei Foundation, 2015 Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Laura Brann, The Summit Center Tom Garvey Sr., 2019 Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Cynthia Schwartz, Roswell Park Kate Sarata, The Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc. Kathryn Heidinger, CFRE, President, AFPWNY Lynsey Weaver, Kevin Guest House, NPD Sub-Committee Lead *Those on the committee whose organizations had nominations for an award classification did not vote for that category.
6 Earle Hannel Outstanding Fundraising Professional David Kersten David J. Kersten is the Chief Executive Officer of OLV Charities - the fundraising and support services arm of Our Lady of Victory Organizations / “Father Baker’s.” Kersten is the public face of the organization and responsible for the fundraising efforts of OLVCharities, which involve multiple channels, such as direct mail solicitations, fundraising events, planned gifts, charitable gift annuities, and other giving vehicles. He also oversees a full range of strategic and operational activities for OLV Charities, which include but are not limited to support service growth / retention, fiduciary oversight, and policy implementation. Previously, Kersten served as Vice President of Development for Catholic Health System. He also functioned as President of ParishPay, Inc. in New York City and as Executive Director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. Kersten received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Niagara University. He also received a Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and a Master’s of Ecumenical Studies from Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. Additionally, Kersten received an MBA in Church Business Administration from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana. Kersten is active on the board of directors for the Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York, and is an advisory board member for Gerard Place. He is also a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals of WNY, the National Planned Giving Council, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, and the WNY Planned Giving Consortium. This award is presented to a fundraising professional under the age of 35 who demonstrates exemplary, creative and innovative work in his or her career, as well as a strong commitment to the profession, including engagement with our AFP chapter and the local community, and volunteer work.
7 This award is presented to an individual, couple or family with a proven track record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support, has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles in our community. OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST Salvatore Alfiero, posthumous Sal Alfiero was a prominent philanthropist in the Western New York Community for decades before his passing in June 2022. Through his many philanthropic gifts he supported education and entrepreneurship, healthcare and cancer research, homelessness, and veteran populations in the region. Some of his most impactful gifts include but are not limited to the following: A $2 million gift to the University at Buffalo to name the School of Management’s student-focused academic and development center. Named for Sal, and his wife Jeanne, the Alfiero Center is the first academic facility at UB, and one of only a few in the State University of New York system, to be funded primarily through private donations. More than $9 million to Kaleida Health (both Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and its successor John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital) - including a $5 million donation in 2012 that helped fund the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. In 2014, he added an additional $1-million commitment specifically for the new hospital’s helipad. This $6-million-dollar commitment was the largest personal gift during the fundraising campaign for the new hospital. Sal was a pillar in the development of the move to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and building of John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital. Additionally, Sal served as Board Chair for the former Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and was one of the six founding directors of Kaleida Health when it was formed in 1998. He subsequently served as its second Board Chair and provided over $30,000 in support to the Kaleida Health Foundation over the years to assist Millard Fillmore Suburban and Buffalo General Hospitals. Sal and the Alfiero Family also committed $1 million to support construction for the new Buffalo City Mission Community Center. The 75,000-square-foot flagship community center, opened in 2020, provides preventative services on the front end to decrease the percentage of homelessness year-over-year for those who are on the brink of homelessness. An endowment for Breast Oncology was also created with a $1.5 million gift from Sal and family to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2009. The endowed chair supports the Institute’s renowned breast cancer research center and treatment programs and provides a secure base of annual funding to continue to grow the Breast Center’s programs and to explore the latest in clinical treatments for patients. Sal’s commitment to philanthropy didn’t stop in Western New York – he and his family have also supported Veterans Transition House in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Anthony C. & Salvatore H. Alfiero Outreach Center was opened in 2020 with a leadership gift from Sal and the Alfiero Family. The Outreach Center, which is staffed by professional licensed clinicians, is a resource to all veterans and their families seeking information and services that support their safety, health and well-being. He also has a scholarship fund at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. Through Sal’s giving we can see commitment to supporting both healthcare and education. He understood the importance of providing quality healthcare to children across Western New York with his contributions to Children’s Hospital – but also recognized the need to support it is as the only standalone children’s hospital in the state as well. As is clear through many of his other gifts, he is an advocate for better healthcare outcomes for those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness as well as Veterans and their families. Further, Sal is committed to quality education as can be seen in his support of both scholarship funds and educational centers dedicated to providing resources to students to help them succeed on their academic journey and career thereafter. Through all of his contributions, it is clear that Sal and family lead by example. They have supported many worthwhile causes in the Western New York Community and beyond, while also helping to promote the importance of philanthropy. During an interview in 2005 before the grand opening of the Alfiero Center at the University at Buffalo, he said: “I think the university is a primary, if not the primary, asset of the community of Western New York,” he said. “We also feel that when you get as much as we have been fortunate enough to receive, both in terms of a good lifestyle and in the successes our businesses have enjoyed, it is incumbent upon us to give back to the community.”
8 OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER GIVE 716 GIVE 716 is a collaborative fundraising effort between the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. The goal of GIVE 716 is to unite Bills and Sabres fans with the Western New York community for one epic day of giving. Following the negative financial effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the nonprofit community in Western New York, GIVE 716 stepped up and created an effort when nonprofits needed their support more than ever. Their goal was to harness the generosity of the community and build a more united and prosperous Western New York for all by providing an outlet to come together on one day. Both Foundations worked together to facilitate a 24-hour giving day that first took place on July 15, 2021 starting at 7:16pm and ending on July 16, 2021 at 7:16pm. On that day over one million dollars was raised across WNY from the generosity of 7,300 donors that benefitted over 400 non-profits across Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Genesee, Orleans and Allegany counties. GIVE 716 captured the support from major corporations and businesses within Western New York. The event featured a “Power Hour Lineup” throughout the 24-hours of giving that offered matching donations and large grants to participating organizations. Over $100,000 was donated by corporate sponsors and the Sabres and Bills Foundations donated over $100,000 combined. This event brought together so many members of the community to support nonprofit organizations. It was a day to support one another and highlight nonprofits that do great work across the community. None of this would be possible without the amazing initiative of GIVE 716. This award is presented to an individual or group who demonstrates exceptional skills coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for charitable institutions, as well as a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy.
9 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund There is strength in numbers, especially when an entire community unifies for the greater good. When the pandemic reached Western New York in mid-March 2020, the philanthropic community mobilized quickly to support nonprofits serving on the frontlines of helping our community meet the emergency needs of residents. By March 24, the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund was up and running, conducted a needs survey with over 1,000 nonprofits, and began fundraising. The Fund announced its first round of grants two weeks later. The first priority was to ensure funds were distributed to organizations serving on the front lines of crisis response. There were four rounds of funding ranging in size from $500 - $300K. While dispersing these immediate response grants, it became clear that many grass roots organizations also played an important role. Funds ranging from $500-$2500 helped to stock community pantries and provide bus passes for those in need of transportation. Throughout 2020 and to date, this collective group of philanthropic organizations has been monitoring the needs in our community and responding as quickly as possible. Grants have been made to address immediate areas of need such as a food, housing, healthcare, childcare, as well as to supporting organizations in working together to address long-standing challenges through Moving Forward Together. With the help of more than 100 foundations, corporations and community leaders, along with 1900+ individual donors, the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund has awarded a total of $14.2 million in grants to 400+ nonprofit organizations serving in all eight counties of Western New York. The Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and has received staffing support from The John R. Oishei Foundation, the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation and the WNY Foundation. This award is presented to a philanthropic foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and/or community involvement.
10 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC CORPORATION Tops Friendly Markets Tops Friendly Markets is so much more than just our neighborhood grocery store. They have served Western New York since 1962, providing fresh groceries and outstanding customer service. Tops partners with hundreds of local non-profits through sponsorships and community outreach. Tops makes our community a better place by improving the lives of children and helping one neighbor at a time through food donation, fundraising, and outreach programs. Tops has donated over $58.62 million to our local communities, partnered with numerous organizations to help raise $2,433,311+ in the fight against cancer, donated $1.3 million to local schools through Tops in Education, and raised $12,718,938+ in support of children’s hospitals in our area. Tops Markets operates 150 full-service supermarkets, including five operated by franchisees under the Tops banner, along with 59 fuel stations. Tops Friendly Markets has always been at the core of the communities they serve. They are truly your “Neighborhood Grocery Store.” We salute Tops and thank them for all they have done for our community since their first store opened in 1962. As the saying goes, “Tops never stops!” This award is presented to a corporation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and/or community involvement.
11 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC SMALL BUSINESS Buffalo Balloon Company This award is presented to a philanthropic small business that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and/or community involvement. Through her kindness and generosity, Lydia Dominick and her team have gone above and beyond to help support the Buffalo community. The non-profit Buffalo Gives, created and operated by Lydia, has been a pillar this last year. From collecting donations exceeding $25,000 for families of the Tops shooting victims to overflowing the Buffalo Balloon Co. shop with supplies to Ukraine. Lydia facilitated a donation drive to send over medical supplies to Ukraine when the war first broke out. She involved The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation and the Kaleida Health Foundation to donate any unused or expired medical supplies that were no longer in use or needed across Kaleida Health sites. Lydia saw a need to help the people of Ukraine and immediately reached out to those who could help fulfill that need. Supplies that could no longer be used in the hospital were beneficial to those in Ukraine. Buffalo Balloon Co. has become the hub for donations and growing a network of people who care. The financial and monetary donations to Buffalo Gives have significantly made an impact to inspire others to find kindness. Lydia’s leadership is an example of how one person can bring people together across a community to help those in need, especially during dire times.
12 OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC MEDIA Kate Glaser, Hope Rises Kate and Hope Rises’ whole purpose is to share inspiring stories. Her work started as a blog in 2017 and it has now turned into something so much bigger. In partnership with WIVB Channel 4, Kate and Hope Rises has a weekly segment onWake Up where she shares and promotes heartwarming stories and acts of charitable kindness. Through sharing these stories, it is not just about news, it’s become about making good news happen and supporting worthwhile causes in our community. Each of her weekly news segments on Wake Up feature amazing stories and organizations and include ways for others to volunteer their time or resources to support. It is clear that Kate and Hope rises are masters at collaboration and her works has impacted so many in Western New York. Kate describes herself as passionate, career driven, and focused on expanding her network of connections in the Western New York community and beyond. Prior to Hope Rises she was also a former television journalist who represented the WNY community as a morning live reporter. After nearly eight years in news, her career took a turn to the nonprofit sector. She has previously held positions at MakeA-Wish and Mercy Flight. Her devotion to charity work, volunteering, writing and public speaking led her to this career path, advocating for children and families faced with the reality of a critical illness. Hope Rises serves as an inspiration to all that follow and wait for the next story to be shared. This award is presented to a media corporation or agency that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial or in-kind support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and/or community involvement.
13 OUTSTANDING YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST Grace Koncikowski This award is presented to an individual who is 18 years old or younger who demonstrates exceptional skill in coordinating a fundraising project, and/or motivating groups of volunteers (of any age) to assist. He or she must show a passion for the cause and a sincere effort to achieving fundraising success. Grace has diligently worked to fundraise to provide support to the Mercy Hospital of Buffalo NICU for the past decade. A graduate of Mercy’s NICU herself, Grace started fundraising when she was just 6 years old. She has raised money for essential equipment such as birthing beds, blanket warmers, infant scales, etc. Starting with a lemonade stand in her driveway as an elementary school student, Grace has expanded her efforts to include online donations through GoFundMe. She spreads awareness of the foundation through social media platforms as well as wordof-mouth. When Grace was very young, she even attended the Mercy Hospital gala and spoke directly to a crowd of 300+ attendees. She challenged them to join her in supporting the hospital strongly stating, “If I can do it, so can you!” Grace’s father, Mark, passed in 2014 at the age of 36. He left behind his two beautiful daughters, the oldest being Grace. Grace has honored her Dad with a campaign to support Mercy Hospital Foundation, designated to the NICU, each year since. She has created a social media platform that involves a call to give, photos of her and her dad and a special message about the meaning behind her passion. Grace began with just a $75 gift in 2011, which she proudly brought to Mercy Hospital and presented to the staff of the NICU. Each year she sets her goals higher, and crushes them. This year, she set her goal at $2,000 and exceeded it. To date, Grace has donated $5,500 to the Mercy NICU thanks to her compelling messages and, of course, delicious lemonade.
14 National Philanthropy Day® 2022 DISTINGUISHED HONOREE PROGRAM Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals have the exclusive opportunity to recognize an outstanding founder, donor or volunteer through the Distinguished Honoree Program at the National Philanthropy Day Celebration, an event which takes place annually each November and is one of countless such events. Fundraisers from a myriad of Western New York not-for-profits are gathered here today for this heartfelt celebration to share stories of amazing philanthropic gifts and volunteer efforts that make Western New York a strong, caring and truly unique and vibrant community. The Distinguished Honoree Program provides members of our AFP Chapter with a wonderful way to say “thank you” to someone who has gone above and beyond for their organization. Honorees are individuals, couples or organizations and may be represented by an individual or group. On behalf of the Western New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, its Board of Directors, NPD chairpersons, Megan Graves and Caroline Hurley, and the National Philanthropy Day committee and volunteers, thank you for being a part of today’s event and for partaking in the prestigious recognition of this year’s generous and dynamic group of award winners and distinguished honorees!
15 MAXINE AWNER Honored by: Make-A-Wish Western New York Make-A-Wish Western New York recognizes Maxine Awner for her exemplary leadership and extraordinary, continuing contributions as a donor, fundraiser and volunteer in support of its mission. Maxine’s leadership as Chair of the Buffalo Advisory Board for the last three years helped Make-A-Wish successfully navigate the pandemic and continue to serve children and families fighting critical illness in our community despite the ongoing, challenging environment. She also leads by example in every facet including by volunteering as a wish granter, being a ”Wish Hero” in the annual peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, and as a member of the Buffalo Gala’s sponsorship committee, an event she and her husband Steven previously chaired. Whether through her own personal giving, engaging her network, or involving the Sebastien, Awner, Houlding, Spagnolo, and O’Brien Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management …Make-A-Wish can always count on Maxine. For all this and more, Make-A-Wish is proud to honor Maxine Awner. CANDACE DARBY Honored by: City Year Buffalo CandaceDarby has been integral to the success of City Year Buffalo, an education nonprofit that employs AmeriCorps Members as student success coaches, since its inception in 2018. She has positively impacted our growth and performance by using her network to introduce City Year to many key community stakeholders from the Buffalo community, proposing and funding new events, supporting our AmeriCorps Members’ physical and mental wellbeing, directly making fundraising asks, and by dedicating her time and insight to our site. Since being named Board Chair in 2020, Candace has helped expand our board to over ten members who are all passionate about educational equity. Candace’s energy and love for City Year Buffalo ensures that we can continue to create positive educational environments, develop students’ social-emotional and academic skills, and prepare the next generation of young leaders.
16 DR. PETER C. CORNELL Honored by: Hauptman Woodward Dr. Peter C. Cornell, a savvy Buffalo businessman who was one of three early investors in Trico, recognized the importance of supporting economic development, education and the arts in his beloved community. The Peter C. Cornell Trust was established in 1949. After engaging in strategic planning for the past year, the Peter C. Cornell Trust has decided to distribute all its assets. Current and former Cornell Trustees are grateful to have had the opportunity to support our region throughout the Trust’s 73-year history. The Peter C. Cornell Trust has been a great friend to Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute over the years by investing in critical research that helped to develop the cures of tomorrow. EAST HILL FOUNDATION Honored by: Aquarium of Niagara The East Hill Foundation is a family foundation that was founded in 1986 through funds initiated out of the familyowned business, Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. Through its grantmaking program, the Foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and opportunities designed to enhance the quality of life of Western New York residents. The Aquarium of Niagara has been tremendously impacted by the East Hill Foundation. During the past 5 years, the Aquarium has worked to transform its exhibits and facility, improve the guest experience, and situate the organization as the cultural hub of the City of Niagara Falls. The East Hill Foundation has been a trusted partner and advocate for the Aquarium throughout this period of transition. With the Foundation’s ongoing support, the Aquarium has made $10 million in capital improvements, increased attendance, and vastly improved its reputation throughout Western New York and within the funding community.
17 ELLEN BIELER Honored by: BestSelf Behavioral Health Charity, volunteering, and philanthropy have been a lifelong endeavor for Ellen Bieler. She began as a young woman helping a local organization with dog and cat rescues, and shortly after became a candy striper at the Our Lady of Victory Hospital. Over the years Ellen has volunteered and served on many committees and boards including American Red Cross, Legacy Therapeutic Riding Center, Friends of CAC, the Buffalo Zoo, and SPCA, and as board chair for Hopevale Inc., O’Connell & Co., Child & Adolescent Treatment Services, and most recently, BestSelf Behavioral Health. Ellen believes philanthropy is an important part of everyone’s lives as it is our human obligation to help when and where we are able. Ellen was a catalyst in the merger of Child & Adolescent Treatment Services (CATS) and Lakeshore Behavioral Health in 2017, and as a long-time chair of the Board of CATS, stepped into the role of board chair of the newly formed entity, BestSelf. She is passionate about advocacy in behavioral health and has led the organization through its success over the past five years. GENERAL MILLS Honored by: FeedMore WNY On behalf of the entire team at FeedMore WNY and the community members we serve, it’s our honor to recognize General Mills as our 2022 National Philanthropy Day Distinguished Honoree. General Mills has been supporting WNY through their partnership with FeedMore WNY (and formerly the Food Bank of WNY) for three decades, donating more than $550,000 and a staggering 40,000 lbs., on average, of cereal weekly to help our neighbors throughout Erie, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Niagara counties. Walk into our warehouse at any time and you’ll see towers of General Mills product. Stop and smell the Cheerios! They truly give it all: grants through the General Mills Foundation to support our many feeding programs; in-kind donations of cereal and cereal bars for distribution to our partner agencies; sponsorship and auction items for fundraising events; and last but not least, amazing volunteers that are vital to the work we do. General Mills you cover all of the bases and we are truly grateful. Thank you for being by our side in the fight against hunger!
18 JAMES MAGUIRE Honored by: Buffalo Zoo James Maguire is a longtime Buffalo Zoo community supporter, former Trustee of the Buffalo Zoo and lover of amphibians and reptiles, and prominent Buffalo businessman. DIANE AND JOHN BURKHOLDER Honored by: SUNY Fredonia and the Fredonia College Foundation On behalf of SUNY Fredonia and the Fredonia College Foundation, we are proud to honor Diane and John Burkholder as our 2022 National Philanthropy Day Distinguished Honorees. Both born and raised in the Buffalo area, Diane and John had professional careers in business. Diane was a Managing Director with JPMorgan Chase up until her retirement in 2010, while John worked in various management roles with Waste Management, Inc. for well over two decades. Throughout the years, the Burkholders have generously devoted significant volunteer time and resources to the Fredonia College Foundation and to SUNY Fredonia. In addition, they have been involved with non-profit organizations such as the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, and Meals on Wheels of Western New York. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia’s class of 1976, Diane is a current member of the Fredonia College Foundation Board of Directors where she shares her expertise as the Chair of the Investment Committee. John is on the Alumni Council for Utica University, his alma mater, and stays involved in their volunteer activities. We are proud to celebrate Diane and John Burkholder— two philanthropists who are extremely charitable with their time and resources. Thank you, Diane and John, for your dedication and philanthropic leadership. Your ongoing selfless acts help to make SUNY Fredonia and Western New York a better place to live.
19 SELENA TRUAX MORELLO Honored by: Kenan Center Selena Truax Morello has been a Kenan Center Board President, Cochair of the Kenan’s 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Cochair of American Craftsmen for multiple years, Cochair of the Kenan Center Gala, and has helped to coordinate a membership drive and several gallery exhibitions. She most recently chaired the 2020 Annual Appeal surpassing the goal. MARIETTA SCHRADER Honored by: Kenan Center Marietta Schrader has served as a KenanCenter Executive leader in both the capacities of Treasurer and Secretary. She heads up the Scholarship Committee, allowing those in need to participate in youth programming. Marietta most recently chaired the 2021 Annual Appeal, meeting the goal and bringing in a record number of new donors to the campaign. DR. SOL MESSINGER Honored by: SUNY UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Dr. Messinger is a survivor who shares his story so others can learn from the terrifying journey he took as a child aboard the SS St. Louis as he and his family fled the horrors of the Holocaust. He spent many difficult years in Europe before arriving in the U.S. in 1942 and settling in Buffalo. After graduating from UB’s medical school in 1957, Dr. Messinger served as a pathologist in the U.S. Army then at Millard Fillmore Hospital and UB, where he was a clinical associate professor of pathology. He is a donor and leader with organizations, including the Holocaust Resource Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo. He is active in Holocaust education efforts, speaking at schools and participating in documentaries. Most recently, he was featured in the Ken Burns’ documentary on PBS, “The U.S. and the Holocaust.” To express his gratitude for his medical education and his success in life, he generously named the Sol Messinger, MD ’57 Active Learning Center in UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
20 ZENGER GROUP 777 East Park Drive Tonawanda, NY 14150 716.871.1058 PARTNERS PRESS 1881 Kenmore Avenue Kenmore, NY 14217 716.876.2284 DOWNTOWN GRAPHICS 726 Exchange St. Suite 110 Buffalo, NY 14210 716.852.8403 zenger.com Proud to support the Association of Fundraising Professionals WNY CHAPTER
21 Congratulations, Grace Koncikowski Our Youngest Donor Has Raised Nearly $6000 since 2011 Supporting the NICU at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo “Our name is Mercy; our spirit is compassion.” –Catherine McAuley, Foundress, Sisters of Mercy
22 We are devoted to being a good neighbor in every community we serve. That’s why we’re working with customers like you to help our communities thrive. Your support allows us to give more and do more to improve lives and make our neighborhoods stronger. Thank you for helping us make a difference. CELEBRATING THE WNY COMMUNITY HOME THIS IS
23 Investing in Our Community It is our great honor to support AFP of Western New York. THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH OU More resources. More opportunities. More open doors. DYC.EDU
24 We would like to thank all the Nominators for the Distinguished Honoree Program
25 KATE HEIDINGER, CFRE PRESIDENT Catholic Health LAURA DAWIDOWICZ PRESIDENT ELECT University at Buffalo School of Social Work JUSTIN JOHNSTON IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Genesee Community College KELLY CAMPBELL SECRETARY Bertrand Chaffee Hospital ANDREW GAERTE TREASURER Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo KATE SARATA VP ADVANCEMENT The Service Collaborative of WNY BOB VANWICKLIN VP EXTERNAL RELATIONS St. Bonaventure University KATHERYN ROSS-WINNIE, CFRE VP MEMBERSHIP University at Buffalo, Graduate School of Education AMANDA REBECK VP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT University at Buffalo, School of Nursing ROBERT BAIRD Evergreen Health MIKE BENZIN, CFRE Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service THERESA DELUCA Child & Family Services LINDSEY DOTSON, CFRE BestSelf ANNEMARIE HAUMESSER, EdD Nardin Academy JERILYN HICKEY, CFRE Girl Scouts of Western New York EILEEN HUDSON, CFRE OLV Charities AMITY MANN Community Volunteer LESLIE NICKERSON Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope DANIELLE WHITE, MBA SUNY Alfred State College BOARD MEMBERS-AT-LARGE AFP WNY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
26 Megan S. Graves, Chair Catholic Health Caroline Hurley, Vice Chair Nardin Academy Amanda Berg, Community Services for Every1 Laura Brann, The Summit Center Eli Campbell, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Amity Mann, WNY Chapter Rebecca Nason, Kevin Guest House Abby Robertson, Kaleida Health Foundation Mary Russo, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation Kate Sarata, The Services Collaborative of WNY Colleen Steffen, Trocaire College Lynsey Weaver, Kevin Guest House National Philanthropy Day Committee
27 SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank You to our 2022 Sponsors! Title Sponsor Russell J. Salvatore Patron Sponsors Mercy Hospital Foundation Tops Friendly Markets Supporting Sponsors D’Youville University Mader Construction Co. Manning & Napier In-Kind Sponsor Zenger Group Additional Support Provided by: Maryalice Demler and Scott Levin Nancy J. Parisi Photography Thank you all for being part of NPD 2022!
Congratulations to all the award winners and distinguished honorees for their commitment and leadership in our community. 1•2 Thank you WNY. I am forever indebted for your kindness and support. Russ Salvatore
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