Nine Recipients to Receive National Philanthropy Day Award

Nine individuals and organizations from western Pennsylvania have been selected to receive 2011 National Philanthropy Day Awards, in recognition of their extraordinary efforts on behalf of countless individuals and the community as a whole. 

The awards will be presented on Thursday—National Philanthropy Day—at an event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western Pennsylvania Chapter (AFPWPA).

“In a community recognized for its strong tradition of philanthropy, the recipients of this year’s National Philanthropy Day Awards stand out,” said AFPWPA President Susan Salyards. “They are community heroes who exemplify the spirit of philanthropy, giving their time, talent and resources to change lives for the better.”

Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, National Philanthropy Day is celebrated in more than 125 communities across the United States; AFPWPA spearheads NPD activities in the Pittsburgh region.  

AFPWPA’s 2011 National Philanthropy Day Awards recipients are:

• Jack Mascaro, Special Lifetime Achievement Award - As a major donor to numerous organizations (including the University of Pittsburgh and the National Aviary) and supporter of visionary initiatives such as Pitt’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, Jack Mascaro has had a profound influence on the Pittsburgh region and embodies the “servant leader” aspect of philanthropy. 
• Daniel Wukich, Outstanding Philanthropist - Through his company Quest Healthcare Development, Inc., Daniel Wukich established a substantial internship program to provide students from Seton Hill University real world experience and life skills. 
• Bishop Canevin High School baseball team, Outstanding Youth - When these young men saw firsthand how the Ronald McDonald House helped a teammate’s family during a tragedy, they decided to give back.  Since that time, the team has collected toys, had lunch with families, and spent time playing with children living at the facility. 
• Emily Brittain Elementary School, Outstanding Youth - Demonstrating that a small student body can do big things, elementary school students, lead by their dedicated teacher, organized and participated in “HOP for Leukemia & Lymphoma,” a program to support lifesaving research and services for patients with blood cancers.
• BNY Mellon, Outstanding Philanthropic Organizations - BNY Mellon’s exceptional “Powering Potential” program identified a need among youth aging out of the foster care system for support, mentoring, education and workforce opportunities. As a result, the company is helping to make measurable changes in the lives of many deserving young people. 
• Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., Outstanding Philanthropic Organizations - Mitsibushi Electric Power Products, Inc. and their dedicated employees not only donate, but commit their time and talent to improve the lives of young people with disabilities through the company’s  HOPE (Helping Our Partners Exceed) Philanthropy Committee.
• James Hamilton, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser - Mr. Hamilton was co-nominated for this award by Forbes Health Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, which are two of the organizations for which he volunteers. He has been a member of the Forbes Health Foundation Board for six and a half years, and his involvement with the YMCA spans three decades.
• Massey Charitable Trust, Outstanding Foundation - As one of the leading philanthropic foundations in the Pittsburgh region, the Massey Charitable Trust’s generous giving has impacted such areas as education, human services, youth programs, health care and medical research, and arts and culture.
• William P. Getty, The Power of 32, Special Innovation Award - With the Power of 32, William P. “Pat” Getty helped launch a world-class visioning initiative spanning 32 counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland to engage residents building a better future through community conversations and committees.

“Every year, thousands of individuals and organizations in western Pennsylvania make contributions—large and small—that are the lifeblood of hundreds of non-profits working in human services, the arts, education, the environment and more,” said Karen Kutzer, AFPWPA's National Philanthropy Day chairperson. “On National Philanthropy Day we celebrate all philanthropists, and shine a light on the ongoing need for gifts of time, talent and resources to so many essential missions and services.”

The National Philanthropy Day celebration and awards presentation is open to the public. It will take place at the Sheraton Station Square from 5-8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Award recipients, representatives of the AFPWPA and members of the philanthropic and fundraising communities will be in attendance. Tickets are $35 for AFP members and $50 for non-members.

For more event information or to register online to attend, click here.