INDIANAPOLIS - Five Hoosiers whose philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on Indiana communities were honored today with Unsung Hero Awards from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University during a ceremony in Indianapolis.
"Almost 75 percent of Indiana nonprofits say volunteers are very important or essential to their work," said Eugene R. Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. "By identifying needs and giving their time, resources and talents, the people we honor today have greatly increased the quality of life of their fellow Hoosiers."
The awards honor volunteers and professional staff who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership and have given of themselves without public recognition. The awards were presented by Tempel and Timothy L. Seiler, director of The Fund Raising School and Public Service at the Center.
"We are pleased to recognize the efforts of these dedicated volunteers whose caring and commitment has had immeasurable impact." Seiler said. "We hope that this recognition of their quiet leadership will inspire others to become more involved in their communities, realizing that one person can make a powerful difference."
The Unsung Hero Awards are held annually in conjunction with the Indiana Achievement Awards, a program on best practices for nonprofit organizations, staff and volunteers.
The recipients of the 2004 Unsung Hero Awards are:
- Pat Anker of Indianapolis, chair of the board of directors of Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc. Under her guidance, the organization's largest annual fundraising event has grown from raising several thousand dollars a decade ago to a record $100,000 in 2003. She has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Family Service clients receive assistance with domestic violence counseling, substance abuse treatment, and parenting skills.
- Norman Ashcraft of Indianapolis, a volunteer who works on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association and long-term care issues. Ashcraft served as president of the resident council at Robin Run, a local residential care
facility. He personally transformed its gardens so patients could relax in natural surroundings, built a mobile "chapel" for residents, and helped acquire nursing equipment that enhanced their quality of life. Ashcraft raised nearly $60,000 through the Alzheimer's Association's Memory Walk. He mentors caregivers and is a presenter for the association's speakers' bureau.
- Barb Dodson of Valparaiso, a volunteer for Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. and Porter County American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) . Dodson directs an annual ABATE bike show that has raised nearly $42,000 over the past 13 years to assist developmentally disabled or delayed children from birth through age 3. Thanks in part to Dodson's efforts, Opportunity Enterprises' "All About Kids" early intervention program has helped 63 percent of participating children successfully mainstream into traditional public schools.
- Jane Jorgensen, a volunteer for the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. Jorgensen chaired an $8 million capital campaign to open a new branch of the YMCA. Surplus revenues from the new facility support other branches in the YMCA association that are located in less affluent areas and are in the greatest danger of closing. The new YMCA and the surplus have allowed these branches to keep operating, complete repairs and upgrades, and obtain new equipment. The surplus also means that more children are able to receive scholarships to participate in YMCA activities.
- Wally Paynter of Evansville, founder and chair of the Tri-State AIDS Christmas Project. Paynter's annual program provides over 1,000 food baskets, gifts and gift certificates to more than 350 low-income adults and children impacted by AIDS. The program serves individuals and families in 11 counties in southwest Indiana, and in Illinois and northwest Kentucky.
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University increases the understanding of philanthropy and improves its practice through research, teaching, public service and public affairs programs in philanthropy, fundraising, and management of nonprofit organizations. The Center, which is a part of the IU School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) sponsors programs on the IUPUI and IU-Bloomington campuses.
