The Association of Fundraising Professionals Indian River Chapter (AFPIR) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's National Philanthropy Day awards. An award presentation will take place Wednesday, November 18
th at the Vero Beach Museum of Art located at 3001 Riverside Park Drive at5:30 p.m., followed by light hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
The local celebration will honor the Indian River County residents in four specific categories. This year's award recipients are:
Outstanding Individual Philanthropist:Vaughn and Nancy Bryson, nominated by
Childcare Resources of Indian River. The Brysons have supported a variety of charitable causes, including funding a new position for a Community Relations Director for Childcare Resources of Indian River, and helping to fund the opening of a childcare center for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. They are one of the founders of the Indian River Community Foundation and extensively support both the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Indian River Medical Center, among other organizations.
Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist: Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., nominated by the Education Foundation of Indian River County. A leader for the past 18 years in global agribusiness, Syngenta has been a strong supporter of the Education Foundation through charitable gifts and volunteer work as mentors and coaches, largely for science fair competitions. They were one of the first corporate sponsors of the Environmental Learning Center, and they helped the Indian River Soccer Association purchase a new soccer field. Most recently, they contributed $20,000 to build a green, outdoor classroom at the new Storm Grove Middle School.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers: Roger and Nancy Lynch, nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indian River County. Both of the Lynches have distinguished themselves as passionate and effective fundraisers for their respective organizations. Roger has focused his efforts on the Boys and Girls Clubs, helping the organization meet its annual fundraising goals by taking an active role in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of donors. Nancy is one of the founding members of "Impact 100", an organization which, in its first year of existence, gave two transformational $100,000 gifts to deserving local charities.
Unsung Hero of the Year: Cornelia Perez, nominated by The Humane Society of Vero Beach. Cornelia Perez has spent the past 26 years of her life devoted to building a thriving and supportive community environment for animals in need in Indian River County. In 1997 she co-chaired the organization's building campaign, and followed the effort by creating- and funding- three new programs that focus on animal adoption, animal dental health, and help for citizens who struggle to feed their pets.
Additional honorees being recognized for their contributions include: Suzanne Bertman, nominated by Hibiscus Children's Center; Harry Bolwell, nominated by the University of Florida; James Davis, nominated by Women's Refuge of Vero Beach; Disney's Vero Beach Resort, nominated by Indian River State College; Barbara Becker Hurley, nominated by the Mental Health Association and Vero Heritage; Joanna Meyers, nominated by Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Colonel and Mrs. John Mitchell, nominated by the Visiting Nurses Association; PNC Wealth Management, nominated by Atlantic Classical Orchestra; Dr. Robert Rappel, nominated by Treasure Coast Community Health; Marta Schneider, nominated by Children's Home Society; Michael Schwartz, nominated by IRC Habitat for Humanity;and Champ and Debbie Sheridan, nominated by the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.
Toby Hill, former award recipient, will be this year's Master of Ceremonies. NPD Presenting Sponsor is George E. Warren Corporation, and Event Sponsors are Leigh Jewelers, L.K. DeFrances & Associates, Inc., Marine Bank & Trust Company, and Publix Supermarket Charities, Inc.
Tickets to the celebration are $30 per person. Monies raised from the event are reinvested locally in the AFPIR, supporting the profession of fundraising through chapter membership scholarships for new and current members to attend professional development workshops. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Robyn Orzel, at 231-0707, ext. 106 or via email at roborzel@verobeachmuseum.org.