National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is a special day set aside to promote philanthropy and recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that are inspiring change through their significant impact on nonprofit organizations. Each day, generous benefactors and volunteers make a difference to people across a spectrum of nonprofit organizations from the arts to education to social services and everything in between. The National Philanthropy Day Program is our annual, signature event at which people representing businesses, nonprofits, philanthropists and volunteers come together to celebrate our vibrant philanthropic community. All nonprofit organizations have the opportunity to recognize their Loyal Donors who have made a truly exceptional impact.
2024 National Philanthropy Day Awardees
Philanthropist of the Year
Sherie Lynch Marek
“We have all had help getting to where we are today,” Sherie Lynch Marek said, “and as responsible members of the community, we can make a difference and help impact generations to come through our own generosity of spirit.” She has made her impact through involvement that is wide and deep, including fundraising and the boards of Cincinnati Art Museum, Horticultural Society, Cincinnati Ballet, May Festival, Cincinnati Opera, Dress for Success, Cancer Family Care, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and many more.
Volunteer of the Year
Pam Weber
Pam Weber, a senior VP at PNC Real Estate, has been a guest speaker/case judge at the University of Cincinnati, and is a member of the UC Real Estate Roundtable. At Easterseals Redwood, Weber is a board member and Development Committee chair. She’s on the boards of YWCA of Greater Cincinnati and the Catalytic Development Fund of Northern Kentucky, and on 3CDC’s Asset Committee.
Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising
M. Patricia Rosely
M. Patricia (Patty) Rosely has spent 40 years in nonprofit management. As chief development officer at OneSource Center, Beech Acres, Playhouse in the Park and others, she has created and implemented development plans. Rosely’s fundraising superpower is special campaigns to celebrate agency milestones, plus women’s philanthropy and identifying and cultivating unexpected major gifts. Her favorite volunteer role is mentor for early-career fundraisers.
Outstanding Corporation/Foundation
BT RISE – Barbara Turner
In 2023, Barbara Turner launched BT RISE to help others access resources to achieve financial security and independence. As CEO, Turner leverages her extensive corporate and community leadership experience, along with her deep expertise in financial services, to provide advisory services, review business plans and offer capital for new and emerging organizations.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
Payton Obert
Payton Obert is the founder of Payton’s Lemonade Stand and a seventh grader at Saint Ignatius of Loyola School. In 2018, at age 6, Payton hosted her first lemonade stand in her driveway and donated the proceeds to charity. That lemonade stand has evolved into a successful nonprofit that has given away over $2.5 million since its inception in 2021. Payton has inspired thousands of kids to give back to their communities through their own lemonade stands.
Loyal Donors… Celebrating Our Supporters
As part of National Philanthropy Day (NPD), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) invites nonprofit organizations to recognize and celebrate additional individuals: loyal donors who support and further the mission of their organization.
How to Select Loyal Donors: During the NPD registration process, nonprofit organizations may submit the names of their Loyal Donors. AFP requests that nonprofits submit only the names of people who will be attending the in-person event. When guest names are sent, Loyal Donor designations can be noted at that time.
If you need assistance in submitting guest names or designating your guests as Loyal Donors, email us at Admin@AFPCincinnati.org.
For questions or more information, contact:
Victoria Kuhlman, NPD Chair, at kuhlmava@foundation.uc.edu
Admin Team at admin@AFPCincinnati.org
Award Winners… Recognizing Love Poured Out
Our Community Award Winners are local, every day people who do the extraordinary to help others. It’s their selfless giving that has spurred the birth and momentum of National Philanthropy Day. We are honored to be able to celebrate their acts of love. Review a full list of our past award winners here.
Submit your nominations for Philanthropist of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Outstanding Foundation or Corporation in Philanthropy, and Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising! The nomination cycle for this year’s event has been completed.