FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS AFP to honor several local philanthropists

Generosity and civic responsibility of individuals and businesses will be recognized.
LIBERTY -- The Mahoning/Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor several individuals and organizations during the 13th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon to be held at noon Tuesday at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex Centre.
The honorees will be recognized for their generosity and civic responsibility in giving their time and providing financial support and leadership for numerous nonprofit organizations in this area.
Singled out for recognition are the following:
UOutstanding philanthropists: Anthony and Mary Lariccia and family, who made a commitment in 1984 to reach out and help others. Since then, the family has donated $4 million to such nonprofit organizations as Angels for Animals, Boardman High School Building Fund, Chaney High School, Davis Little League Baseball Field, Easter Seals, Edward J. DeBartolo Scholarship Fund, Hospice of the Valley, Ronald McDonald House, Mount Hope Cemetery, Pincham Initiative Resource Center, St. Charles Church, Struthers High School, Youngstown Kidney Foundation, YMCA Boardman Campus, Youngstown State University and Youngstown Symphony Society. Lariccia serves as a trustee of the YSU Foundation.
UCorporate philanthropist: Hynes Industries Inc., owned by the Bresnahan family, which founded and directed the William W. and Margaret L. Bresnahan Foundation to give something back to the community. In addition to providing financial support to dozens of area charities, the family donates hours of time and talents to area churches, PTAs and the Care Net Pregnancy Center. Members serve on many nonprofit boards of directors including the Better Business Bureau, Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way and the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley.
UVolunteer fund-raiser: Although retired, Alan G. Brant devotes many hours to work on philanthropic activities, with his major focus on education and health care. He has served as chairperson for several capital campaigns at Hiram College and spearheaded a $1 million fund drive to implement Trumbull County Community Network to develop a universal access to communication and information systems at county public and parochial schools. He is president of Mahoning Valley College Access Program Inc. and for many years has been involved with Forum Health, where he is a trustee.
UOutstanding civic organization: Youngstown Lions Club, founded in 1920, is committed to eradicating blindness and providing eyeglasses to those in need, and to serving those with special needs. The group is involved in the Radio Reading Program, supports meals for the Rescue Mission, provides YMCA memberships for low-income children and holds a Christmas party each year for people with special needs. Members participate in the Lions International Parade of Checks to support pilot dogs, Diabetes International and Ohio Eye Research.
UOutstanding young philanthropists: ROCcK Choir, comprised of children ages 5 to 19 whose lives have been touched by cancer in some way. Many are patients at Tod Children's Hospital. Directed by Brenda Rider, Paul Showron and Janeen Williams, they recorded a song, "Relay the Message," and plan to record a CD to be sold in order to raise funds to benefit cancer programs.
USpecial recognition: Paul O'Brien and his wife, Tina, spent many hours visiting the Pittsburgh Foundation with the hope of establishing a community foundation in this region. Through their efforts the O'Brien Children Memorial Fund, the first charitable fund established in what is known as the Shenango Valley Foundation, has distributed over $7 million in grants and now has assets of nearly $20 million.
The local chapter of AFP, comprised of over 50 fund-raising professionals, promotes ethical practices in fund-raising and works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and a certification program.