National Philanthropy Day to be observed

Individuals and organizations who support non-profit causes in the area will be honored.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning/Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor a number of individuals and organizations at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon to be held at noon Nov. 15 at the Holiday Inn MetroPlex Center.
The day is set aside to recognize and pay tribute to those who have demonstrated exceptional generosity and civic responsibility by providing financial support, time and leadership for non-profit causes in the area.
Chosen as recipients of various awards are the following:
UDorotha Anderson, Outstanding Philanthropist Award. She has devoted time, talents and financial support for such organizations as St. Paul Homes, Thiel College, United Way, French Creek Council, Boy Scouts of America, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Allegheny College, Shenango Valley Chorale and Greenville Symphony.
UThe Difference Makers, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. Founded in 1991, the group has helped grass roots organizations and individuals who are in need of assistance by providing such things as money for school clothes, shoes and supplies, emergency funds for families with sick children, and by building wheel chair ramps for disabled children.
UFirst Place Bank, Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award. The firm gives back to the community in a variety of ways, ranging from support for kids' soccer teams to providing educational and charitable contributions, and through the First Place Community Foundation provides funding for education, economic development and charitable needs.
UHoward Hanna of Mahoning Valley, Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist Award. The firm and employees are committed to philanthropy in the area. Their achievements include donating over $3.1 million to the Children's Free Care since 1989, donating over $325,00 to Tod Children's Hospital since 1996, and in 2004 donating $600,000 to seven children's hospitals.
UCanfield Interact Club, Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award. The club seeks to introduce students to meaningful service projects in a context that give a world perspective. Projects include preparing shoe boxes of supplies and toys for students in an orphanage in Mexico, volunteering at Mill Creek Children's Center, supporting shoe drives, the Mission of Love, Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive, Hospice of the Valley, sending Care packages to military personnel and participating in the Relay for Life.
UYoungstown Shrine Club, Outstanding Civic Organization Award. The club has spent the past 83 years helping children overcome serious health issues free of charge. It sponsors 125 children in the area by paying the cost of transportation to Erie Orthopedic Hospital, all of their medical expenses and room and board for their families for the rest of the child's life.
UMary B. Smith, Special Recognition. A longtime supporter of community service, she was influential in establishing the Beeghly Center and is a member of numerous community service organizations. She was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humanity, was YSU Penguin of the Year, was the first women on the YMCA board and served as honorary chairwoman of the first Hospice of the Valley fund campaign. She also received the Heritage Award, the most prestigious award at Youngstown State University.
Reservations are required for the luncheon. For more information call the co-chairpersons, Joann Stock,(330) 746-8494 or Melissa Pearce, cochairman, (724)652-9206, ext. 111.