The future of fundraising and philanthropy in Windsor-Essex is in good hands.
"The younger generation today is more atune to giving, more aware of the issues than my generation," says Amanda Gellman, recipient of the Crystal Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Philanthropy Day Awards held at Caesars Windsor on Friday.
"I think social media has helped with that. Causes are more out there and there are easier ways for people to give today than ever before," says Gellman.
She was recognized with the award to mark her years of fundraising and over 30 years of work with the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
"I was very surprised to get the award. I actually thought they were calling me for a donation and then they told me I was getting the Lifetime Crystal Award which is amazing," says Gellman.
There were six awards in all given at the lunch time ceremony today — including a youth award given to 14-year-old Kaidyn Blair of Essex.
"I was in my early 20s when I first started fundrasing, so I really encourage people to get involved," says Gellman. "AFP does a lot of outreach to the university and college and AFP International actually has youth chapters now."
Rocco and Danielle Tullio from Lakeshore were recognized with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
Danielle (left) and Rocco (right) Tullio receive the Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the 2016 Philanthropy Day Awards in Windsor hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals on November 17, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
"We try to do things because we feel it's the right thing to do and it's from our heart. We don't look towards getting any accolades like this, but when you do it's very fulfilling and obviously we're humbled and honoured," says Mr. Tullio.
He says the philanthropic community in Windsor-Essex is a strong one.
"I think there are so many people that are deserving of this award and people in the city never cease to amaze us," says Mr. Tullio. "They always seem to step up in time of need."
The couple has helped the Downtown Mission and recently donated money to a Leamington boy needing a prosthetic leg.
AFP hosted the Friday event and president of the local chapter, Alexandria Fischer, says philanthropy is a vital part of the community.
"I love that it's not a mandate, it's not a policy; it's someone seeing that there's a need or a gap in our community and responding to that need," says Fischer.
Other winners include Rick and Kathy Durocher for the Spirit in Philanthropy Award, Larry Bannon for the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award and Families First of the Outstanding Business or Corporation Award.