The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Northeast Wisconsin Chapter is taking time out this morning to recognize the incredible contributions of philanthropy and the people who remain diligent in the philanthropic community. This year’s celebration is virtual!

The 2020 National Philanthropy Day Awards Celebration honors outstanding philanthropists who shape our communities and give with a generous heart. In addition, a panel of respected representatives across multiple sectors discussed how their organizations continue to adapt to the changing landscape in 2020 and beyond.

Your Community Foundation is a presenting sponsor, along with Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation and U.S. Venture.

AWARDS
Each year outstanding philanthropists who shape our communities and give with a generous heart are honored. This year’s honorees include:

Dr. Monroe and Sandra Trout

OUTSTANDING LIFETIME PHILANTHROPY
2020 Recipient: Dr. Monroe and Sandra Trout
Nominated by Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, McPherson Eye Research Institute, PBS Wisconsin, and the Trout Museum of Art

Presented to an individual or family, either in honor or memory, who is recognized widely as a community philanthropist and has a long and proven record of making a significant impact in the community through financial support, volunteerism, or leadership for a variety of organizations.

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIST
2020 Recipient: Claudine and Jim Happel
Nominated by Appleton West High School and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin

Presented to an individual or family who has demonstrated exceptional generosity through direct financial support, outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a local, national, or international level.

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER
2020 Recipient: Joseph Scala
Nominated by American Cancer Society

Presented to an individual or couple who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for major fundraising projects and is recognized for sharing their time and talents with area non-profit organizations.

OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC CORPORATION
2020 Recipient: Thrivent Foundation
Nominated by Fox Valley Technical College

Presented to a corporation or its corporate foundation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment through financial support, and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONAL
2020 Recipient: Tracy Arndt
Nominated by Encompass

Presented to an individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. The recipient must have at least five years of professional fundraising experience, evidence of quality of leadership and being a team player, a commitment to continuing professional development, and commitment to fundraising and philanthropy through volunteer service and financial support of non-profit organizations.

Pushing Through a Crisis and Beyond
Whether it was due to the novel coronavirus or addressing social injustices, this year has turned our world upside down and caused a dramatic shift in how we are operating in nearly every industry. Nonetheless, as fearless fundraisers, we have had to adapt and move forward into the “new normal.”

Panelists included
• Jodie Larsen, Vice President, Community Engagement, Oshkosh Corporation
• Cathy Mutschler, Vice President, Community Relations, Community First Credit Union
• Jeff Vande Leest, President & CEO, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin
• Greg Vandenberg, Director of Giving and Community Engagement, U.S. Venture, Inc.
• Maria Van Laanen, President, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Moderator
• Denise Thomas, President/Owner, The Effective Communication Coach

You can read more about the panelists and moderator bios here.

Want more stories like these? Sign up to get in The Loop. And don’t forget to invite a friend to get in The Loop!