By Amelia Robinson
Love of humankind AKA "philanthropy" was celebrated today in Dayton and around the county. The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Dayton awarded nine awards, one of them a big surprise to the recipent, during its 26th annual National Philanthropy Day celebration today, Nov. 10.
We asked award winners and attendees (many of whom work or donate to local nonprofits) a simple question: What does it feel like to give back to Dayton?
Here are the words they shared with us:
The following Dayton area residents were awarded 2015 Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Dayton National Philanthropy Day Awards:
Lisa Hanauer and Susan Spiegel: Outstanding Philanthropists presented by ARC Ohio President and CEO William J. Hardy
Dr. Michael Ervin: Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser presented by Downtown Dayton Partnership President Sandy Gudorf
Dayton Foundation President Michael M. Parks: Outstanding Fundraising Executive presented by The Dayton Foundation Governing Board Chair J. Norman Eckstein
The Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation: Outstanding Foundation presented by Human Race Theatre President and Artistic Director Kevin Moore
Surprise honoree Dayton Daily News columnist and reporter Meredith Moss: Friend of Philanthropy presented by event organizers for her weekly Making a Difference column that runs every Thursday in the Dayton Daily News and shares the needs of local nonprofits and a call to action for readers and the community.
Synchrony Financial: Outstanding Large Corporation presented by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton Director of Development Brad Roediger
Tobin Brothers Moving and Storage: Outstanding Small Corporation presented by The Foodbank Executive Director Michelle Riley The Foodbank Manager of Volunteers Lizz Kelly
University of Dayton Distance 4 Dreams: Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (ages 18 to 23) presented by A Special Wish Foundation Dayton Chapter Executive Director David Seyer
Max Mader - Storytime with Max: Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (ages 5 to 17) presented by Levin Family Foundation Executive Director Karen Levin