FUND RAISING 3 individuals, many groups get Philanthropy Day Awards

A 16-year-old liver transplant recipient was honored.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning/Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recently held its 14th annual Philanthropy Day Awards honoring individuals and organizations in the region that have contributed resources to the nonprofit sector.
Helen Stambaugh received the "Outstanding Philanthropist" award for her commitment and dedication to the community. Stambaugh had a long and successful career in business, which included serving as executive director of Park Vista Retirement Community and Shepherd of the Valley in Niles.
She shared the philanthropic philosophy of her late husband, Arnold D. Stambaugh, who was instrumental in raising funds for Youngstown State University's Stambaugh Stadium, Park Vista Retirement Community and many other major fund-raising projects in the Youngstown area.
Helen Stambaugh has continued to contribute to the community, sharing her business experience as a volunteer with YSU's Senior Corps of Retired Executives.
She is also passionate in her support of education and has been active in many nonprofit agencies. She encouraged those in attendance to "give as much as you can to your community while you are alive so that you can see the joy your contributions bring."
More outstanding work
C. Gilbert James Jr. of Canfield was the recipient of the "Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year" award for his lifetime of providing support to nonprofit agencies and community initiatives. James and his brother, Bill, are co-chairmen of the James & amp; Son Insurance Agency founded by their father. In addition, the brothers developed and own three other companies including Akron Gear and Engineering of Akron and Bearing Distributors of Cleveland.
James, who serves on six charitable foundations including the International Foundation, Rayen Foundation and the Arms Historical Foundation, has also given his time and talent to the Butler Institute for American Art, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, the Boys and Girls Club, the Canfield Fair Board and Youngstown State University.
James, who was married to the late Adeline Wick James, funded facilities at the Butler Museum of Art, Youngstown Symphony, Youngstown State University and Hospice of the Valley in her name. In accepting his award, he explained why he is an advocate of philanthropy: "The community has always been good to my family and I feel it's time to give back to the community."
Rachel Hawkins of Poland, a 16-year-old liver transplant recipient, was given the "Outstanding Young Philanthropist" award for her efforts in raising more than $20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The foundation helped Rachel and her family during her surgery and transplant and she wanted to raise money for other children served by the foundation.
The Junior Group of Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries was awarded the "Special Recognition Award" for the funds it raises to support the operation of Goodwill.
Other award recipients included: Aqua Ohio, "Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist"; Berner International of New Castle, "Outstanding Small Company Philanthropist Award"; the Welcome Wagon of Canfield, "Outstanding Civic Organization"; and the John S. and Doris Andrews Trust, "Legacy Award" for generous contributions that have touched many lives and organizations in the Mahoning Valley.
The next Association of Fundraising Professionals event, "Meet the Funders," will take place Dec. 3 at the Youngstown Country Club. Reservations may be made by contacting Liz McGarry at Hospice of the Valley at (330) 788-1992.