AFP Northeast Iowa's inaugural National Philanthropy Day took place in front of a sold out crowd yesterday, November 10, 2011. If you were able to  attend, we'd appreciate your feedback - please take our survey found to the right.

Special thanks to Tony DiCecco for his heartwarming keynote address and to our fabulous emcees, Mary Ann Burk and Stacy Van Gorp.

Take a look a the 2011 award recipients:

Fred & Sue Hagemann were awarded Gift of the Heart: Philanthropy. This award recognizes a person or persons whose lifetime or long-term achievements exemplify commitment and dedication toward helping society. The Hagemanns were national chairs for Campaign Wartburg, the largest fundraising campaign in the history of the College and their personal gift was the largest commitment from a living donor in the campaign. This past year, the Hagemanns joined two other couples with Waverly ties to create the “Giving Starts at Home” annual giving challenge at Wartburg, resulting in the most successful Annual Fund campaign in the history of the College. How do the Hagemanns inspire philanthropy within the community? They simply lead by example.

Craig & Nancy Shirey were awarded Gift of the Heart: Legacy. This award is given to an individual or organization that inspires philanthropic endeavors by individuals in subsequent generations.Craig and Nancy have served on countless committees and boards, impacting many organizations in the Cedar Valley. As they became aware of problems and situations they felt they could help to improve, they took action. Dedicated to helping others, Craig and Nancy have passed their values to their children and grandchildren, thus creating a legacy of generational philanthropy.

Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors received Gift of the Heart: Governance. This award recognizes a board of directors whose actions demonstrate philanthropic leadership, direct involvement, and financial support of a nonprofit organization in Northeast Iowa. These board members personally contribute, engage their companies to contribute, and lead fundraising activities in every way. They understand the importance of every dollar raised working in this community and lead the cause. The Board engages the community in service for the United Way through encouraging contributions and volunteers. One of the most important aspects is that this Board provides inspiration to “Live United” year after year.

Ryan Giarusso was awarded Gift of the Heart: Youth. This award recognizes a young person or persons under the age of 21 who have demonstrated a significant impact on their community through a philanthropic project. Ryan does what many adults do not even achieve – he inspires others to give of their time, talent and treasure. This school year he is leading a group of a dozen teens through a grant making process focused on service learning projects, and helping his peers make difficult decisions about impact, leverage and funding priorities. He is the epitome of a community trustee, he feels deeply responsible for his community and works hard to find new ways to give back.

May we each make time to consider how to share our own precious gifts of the heart in the future and carry the legacy forward of the 2011 National Philanthropy Day honorees.

Recipient photos courtesy of Cooper Image Design.

Click here to view a brief video message celebrating National Philanthropy Day and your generous investments in our community. To everyone who is helping to make the world a better place, thanks for giving!

Gift of the Heart: Philanthropy
Bob & Judy Brown
Carl & Wanda Wehner
David & Arlene Waterman
Fred & Sue Hagemann
Gene Drape
Geof & Vicki Grimes
Helen Guernsey
R.J. McElroy Trust

Gift of the Heart: Legacy
Craig & Nancy Shirey
Ross D. Christensen
Viking Pump

Gift of the Heart: Governance
Cedar Valley United Way Board of Directors
Jason Witham
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Board of Directors
Western Home Services Board of Directors

Gift of the Heart: Youth
Olivia Hottle
Ryan Giarusso

All nominees are recognized during the event and presented with a certificate of nomination. One recipient is selected in each category and presented with an award during the luncheon as part of the celebration.


National Philanthropy Day 2011
Planning Committee
Constance Grimm, Chair (Hawkeye Community College)
Carolynn Sween, Awards (Community Foundation of NE Iowa)
James Leffler, Printing (Boy Scouts of America)
Janna Diehl, Logistics (Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging)
Kendra Willey, Public Relations (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Laura Stammler, Sponsorships (Hartman Reserve)
Maria Benham (Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa)
Roxanne Fuller (Consumer Credit Counseling Service)
Stephanie Rottinghaus (Advanced Heat Treat Corp.)


2011 Award Selection Committee
Ellie Wymore (American Cancer Society)
Sue Fletcher (BankIowa)
Toni Babcock (CBE Group)

Steward of Philanthropy
•    Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
•    Bravo Printing
•    McElroy Trust
•    Park Place Event Centre
•    Vision Development Services

Advocate of Philanthropy
•    Cooper Image Design
•    Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging

Ally of Philanthropy
•    Allen College
•    Community National Bank
•    Eldred & Donna Harman
•    Hellman
•    Leave A Legacy ®
•    Schumacher Elevator Company