The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington Chapter has named six outstanding philanthropists to honor at the annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon, which will be held at the Westin Hotel on Friday, Nov. 18. Among these honorees is the 2011 “Outstanding Young Philanthropist,” 7-year-old Rena Mateja Walker Burr, an advocate for Wellspring Family Services.
Once on the verge of homelessness, Walker Burr and her mother received help from Wellspring Family Services. After they got back on their feet, at the young age of 5 years old, Walker Burr hit the ground running by going door to door asking for change to help homeless children in her community. After two years, Walker Burr collected $506. She shared her story in a short film and, when it was shown to Wellspring supporters, 110 of them matched her $506 for a total of $55,660.
“She is proof that all of us have the power to bring about the change we wish to see in our communities,” said Ruthann Howell, chief executive and president of Wellspring Family Services.
The National Philanthropy Day luncheon, open to the public, honors and supports the efforts of philanthropic leaders and the organizations they serve. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the event, including several young service and philanthropy participants and their mentors. If you are interested in attending the luncheon, visit the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Washington Chapter website.
The other 2011 honorees are as follows:
- Tom and Sonya Campion, awarded “Outstanding Philanthropists” for their organization the Zumiez Foundation, which provides clothing and blankets to the homeless.
- Alcoa of Washington, awarded “Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation” for their donation of money and employee volunteer time.
- Compendium, awarded “Outstanding Small Company” for donating a portion of its profits to support environmental causes.
- Wilburforce Foundation, awarded “Outstanding Philanthropic Organization” for helping to protect wildlife habitat in Western North America.
- Kenneth and Marleen Alhadeff, awarded “Outstanding Family” for their significant philanthropic efforts.
To learn more about the awardees, visit www.afpwashington.org/npd.
