On Thursday, November 14, our team had the honor of attending the National Philanthropy Day celebration hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeast Indiana (AFP NEI). This day serves to recognize and celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions to philanthropy in our community. It’s a reminder of the power of giving and the lasting impact individuals and organizations can have on others.
We were thrilled to see Maria Tan, a senior at Canterbury High School and Chair of the Youth Empowered Philanthropy (YEP) for 2024-25, honored with the “Change the World – Youth in Philanthropy Award.” Maria has spent three years in YEP, exemplifying the organization’s core values of giving time, talent, and treasure. As a gifted cellist, she organizes benefit concerts, raising awareness and funds for important causes. Her leadership and dedication to philanthropy inspirse us all, and we couldn’t be more proud of her achievements.
Congratulations to all of the winners:
· Outstanding Philanthropic Organization: Truck Maintenance, Inc. (Nominated by CTN)
· Outstanding Philanthropist: Suzanna Plassman & The Plassman Family (Nominated by Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities)
· Outstanding Volunteer: Marti Hoppus (Nominated by Stillwater Hospice)
· Change the World Award – Youth in Philanthropy: Maria Tan (Nominated by Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne)
· Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Lindsay Platt (Nominated by Fort Wayne Children’s Choir)
We also recognized the outstanding contributions of AFP Northeast Indiana Board members wrapping up their final term:
· Janelle Taylor | The Rescue Mission
· Amy Johns | Destiny Rescue
· Monica Chamberlain | Stillwater Hospice
Thank you to AFP for hosting this event and to all those who submitted nominations and shared their stories. It was an incredible group, and we are grateful for everyone’s commitment to strengthening our community! Learn more about AFP.