The annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon is consistently an unfailing feel-good fete as the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals lauds area philanthropists and this year's was no exception.
The luncheon on Nov. 15 at the Fayetteville Public Library celebrated "outstanding achievements in fundraising. Let us take a moment to appreciate the impact and significance of the work that's carried out by the Northwest Arkansas chapter of AFP," Kyle Kellams, emcee, said. "Together, those of us in this room, and others who couldn't be with us today, (are) shaping a future where the spirit of giving knows no boundaries and philanthropy becomes a powerful force for positive change in our community and beyond."
Jennifer and Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas athletic director, were honored as this year's Outstanding Volunteer fundraisers, nominated by Arkansas Children's Foundation.
"It's the people we've met in the state, the agencies we've been exposed to, the friends we've made ... that have made an impact on us and given us the opportunity to give back and to participate in such great causes -- so we give you guys all the credit," Jennifer Yurachektold those gathered when the couple accepted the award. "Of all the places we've lived, Northwest Arkansas is the most philanthropic place we've ever been and the fact that we care about our people so much is what makes this such a special place to call home."
Other philanthropic honorees this year are:
Kelly and Marti Sudduth -- Outstanding Philanthropists, nominated by the Walton Arts Center;
Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood -- Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement, nominated by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest;
Frankie Rankin -- Outstanding Fundraising Executive, nominated by Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas;
C&C Services – Outstanding Corporation, nominated by the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation;
Fayetteville Junior Civic League – Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, nominated by Peace at Home Family Shelter and the Children's Safety Center of Washington County;
Luke Michael McFadden – Youth Philanthropy Award, Individual, nominated by the Mercy Health Foundation;
Walker Elementary School's KIDS Club – Youth Philanthropy Award, Group, nominated by Circle of Life Hospice; and
The late Jerry and Doris Hughey -- Legacy Award, nominated by the Salvation Army, Hope Cancer Resources, The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas and Washington Regional Medical Foundation.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals has a global membership of more than 27,000 in 240 chapters. The Northwest Arkansas' chapter of some 170 members is one of 64 chapters designated as a Ten Star Gold Award chapter and one of 97 designated an IDEA Champion for accomplishing "key objectives outlined in the [AFP] Promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access strategic pathway," according to the group's website.
For more event photos -- nwaonline.com/photos/society.
Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].
More News
NoneAt a Glance
National Philanthropy Day luncheon
Who: Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
What: The luncheon is an opportunity for fundraisers to laud area philanthropists.
When: Nov. 15
Where: Fayetteville Public Library
Information: (479) 872-3327 or community.afpglobal.org/afparnorthwestchapter/home