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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     May 16, 2019

Association of Fundraising Professionals Announces National Philanthropy Day Honorees

Community philanthropists and volunteers will be recognized in nine different categories during the 2019 Central Ohio National Philanthropy Day Awards ceremony on November 26, 2019.  Sponsored by the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the awards ceremony recognizes outstanding philanthropy and volunteerism in the Central Ohio area.

“Our honorees are making tremendous investments and impact to uplift our community,” said Laura Baker, President, AFP Central Ohio. “We salute their efforts to make a difference, we applaud their selfless giving and thank them their efforts to change our world for the better.”

2019 National Philanthropy Day recipients are:

The Columbus Foundation Outstanding Philanthropist: Phil and Barb Derrow

Native Ohioans, the Derrows have supported a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Ohio, most recently making a very significant endowment fund creating the New Albany Center for Civil Discourse and Debate.  Mr. Derrow has been a model of philanthropy as President and CEO of Ohio Transmission Corp where he encourages his associates to also give, resulting in more than $235,000 in donations to Flying Horse Farms since 2010.

Outstanding Foundation: Ariel Foundation

The mission of the Ariel Foundation is to sustain the philanthropic vision of its founder, Karen Buchwald Wright, toward the quality of life and opportunity in Karen’s hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio.  Each year, the Foundation awards several million dollars to local organizations promoting arts, culture, education and health.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Andrew Levitt

Also known as his drag persona Nina West, Andrew has been giving back to our community since his move here in 2001.  Andrew and Nina work philanthropy into performances, often encouraging the audience to give to a cause.  Andrew also established the Nina West Foundation via the Columbus Foundation, where more than $2 million has been raised to support local charities to date.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group: Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board

This diverse group of women lead by example.  In 1984 founding members envisioned a group of women who would broaden the base of support, promote and provide financial support for the Conservatory.  Raising more than $1.5 million dollars for the Conservatory through events like Field to Table.

Outstanding Small Business: Next Level Trainings

Since 2014, Next Level Trainings provides services to teams and individuals, unlocking their power, passion and purpose.  Their innovative Vision and Impact Program incorporates community service and transformational leadership training.  Next Level has raised $2.75-million for local organizations, creating a ripple of service and philanthropy throughout Central Ohio.

Big Lots! Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Bexley Sleep Out

Bexley Sleep Out Club was initiated in 2014 by Annalise Phelps, a Bexley High School Student who approached her teacher Anna Schottenstein with an idea to help homeless teens.  The Club organizes a night where youth sleep outside to gain perspective of the hardships faced by homeless teens.  Throughout the years, a total of $25,000 has been raised to benefit the YWCA, Star House and Huckleberry House.

Outstanding Large Corporation: American Electric Power

American Electric Power Foundation focuses on improving lives through education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and elimination of hunger. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, art, music and cultural heritage.  Since 2016, AEP Foundation has committed nearly $175 million to serve people and communities.

Leave a Legacy:  Joe Chlapaty

Joe Chlapaty is retired Chairman and CEO of Advanced Drainage Systems and has spent a lifetime in philanthropy, supporting numerous nonprofit organizations with a lifetime giving history in the tens of millions of dollars.  His nomination came from the Columbus Foundation, where Joe made an estate commitment to establish a permanent eight-figure endowment fund which will act as an enduring, strategic investment in our community by helping address emerging needs in perpetuity.   This award is selected and presented by Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Donna Zuiderweg

Donna Zuiderweg has dedicated her philanthropy career to two organizations that have deep impact in our community: The Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  Donna’s strategic leadership skills garnered record breaking, multi-million dollar capital, planned and annual giving amounts which support the long term vision and sustainability plans for both organizations.  Her work leads to a healthier and more robust community for us all.

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is a special day set aside to promote philanthropy and recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that are inspiring change through their significant impact on nonprofit organizations. Each day, generous benefactors and volunteers make a difference to people across a spectrum of nonprofit organizations from the arts to education to social services and everything in between. The National Philanthropy Day Luncheon is the Central Ohio Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals annual, signature event taking place Tuesday November 26^th, 2019 at the Hilton Columbus, where people representing businesses, nonprofits, philanthropists and volunteers come together to celebrate our vibrant philanthropic community of Central Ohio.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 37,000 members in 186 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and China working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The Central Ohio Chapter of AFP has more than 400 members from 230 nonprofits, consulting firms and corporations in Central Ohio.

Elizabeth Kane, Major Gift Officer, Otterbein University

Tell us a little about your organization. Mission? Population you serve? What do you like most about working there?  

Otterbein University is a private, four-year liberal arts college in Westerville, OH. We are leading the country in integrating real-life experiences with classroom learning to help each student grow as a whole person. From my first day on campus, Otterbein has felt like a family. The faculty, staff, and even alumni are incredibly welcoming. It’s easy to see that everyone has our students’ best interests at heart and is invested in making sure they leave the university equipped with the skills to have successful futures.

How long have you been an AFP member, and what has your involvement been?

I’ve been an AFP member for 5 years now. After receiving a scholarship to attend the Fundamentals of Fundraising course, I’ve been volunteering with the Membership Committee and am currently the outgoing chair of the committee.

What do you consider the most valuable part of your AFP membership?

Hands down, the most valuable part of my AFP experience has been networking. My involvement in AFP has allowed me to meet people at the start of their careers, like myself, all the way to seasoned professionals. The guidance, knowledge, and relationships I’ve gained through my involvement with AFP have been invaluable.

How long have you been in fundraising, and how did you get into it?      

I’ve been in fundraising for about 5 years. I was working in Human Resources at OSU while completing my Master in Public Administration when I took a class taught by Lori Overmyer. Before Lori’s class, I knew I wanted to work in nonprofits, but through this class I fell in love with fundraising.

What is your favorite part about working in Columbus? Favorite place to go?

There are so many things I love about working and living in Columbus, but my top would have to be the amazing nonprofit community. Columbus is full of so many organizations that do great work and work together to make our community the strongest it can be. Also, the restaurant scene in Columbus is awesome. There is so much amazing food to try here! My favorite place to grab a quick bite is Condado’s Tacos, but for an amazing brunch or dinner I go for Starliner Diner.

Tell us a fun fact about you that other AFP members wouldn’t know.

I was an anthropology major in undergrad and spent most of my time in college wanting to be a primatologist. While my career took a bit of a different path, I still love primates and am known to occasionally break out some fun facts.

What has been your biggest success in your career?

Honestly, closing that first gift. That’s the moment when I thought “I can actually do this!” and all the stress and uncertainty were replaced with the feeling of satisfaction in knowing I helped someone invest in something they’re passionate about and helped them make the difference in the world they wanted to see.

What has been your biggest learning opportunity in your career?

Experiencing staff turnover. Unfortunately, fundraising can have a lot of turnover. While those times are filled with lots of challenges and uncertainty, they have also been the times where I’ve learned the most professionally and even personally.

Where would you take your dream vacation?

The Galapagos Islands. We studied them a lot in my anthropology classes in undergrad. Being able to see giant tortoises and penguins on the same island blows my mind!

What is one thing your organization does really well?

It’s hard to choose one thing Otterbein does really well! But right now I am most excited about our new Tuition Transparency initiative that continues our commitment to making college more affordable. With Tuition Transparency, families will know, before even enrolling, how much tuition will increase each year of the student’s four-year degree. This allows students and their families the opportunity to plan for increases and not be caught off guard halfway through their education.

Do you have a favorite book/blog/podcast/etc. that has been very helpful in your career that you’d like to recommend?

Jerold Panas’ “Asking” was recently suggested to me. It’s a really quick read, specifically “A 59-minute guide,” and has a lot of solid advice and suggestions on the basics.

Posted December 2018