Local philanthropists to be honored

National Philanthropy Day awards are presented in eight categories.

Staff report

BOARDMAN — The local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will recognize this year’s National Philanthropy Day award recipients at a Tuesday luncheon at Mr. Anthony’s.

Recipients are recognized in eight categories: outstanding philanthropist, outstanding corporate philanthropist, outstanding small business, outstanding volunteer fundraiser, outstanding civic organization, outstanding young philanthropist, legacy award and special recognition.

About 200 people are expected to attend Tuesday’s luncheon. The registration and reception are at 11 a.m., with lunch at noon followed by presentation of the awards.

National Philanthropy Day is a nationally recognized event established by an act of Congress in 1986. The day, set aside every November, recognizes the contribution that philanthropy — and those people active in the philanthropic community — have made to our world. Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling (330) 758-3572 or by visiting www.afpmash.org.

Barry and Cindy Solomon of Girard are this year’s outstanding philanthropists. The Solomons have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities and primarily to Easter Seals, where both have served on the board of trustees.

“We are humbled and honored to have served Easter Seals for the past 20 years,” Cindy Solomon said.

The Solomons’ generosity was learned through the example of their parents. Cindy Solomon’s mother was twice named “Woman of the Year” in Atlanta for her volunteer work and generosity. Her father, a Holocaust survivor, went out of his way to help anyone in need.

Barry Solomon, too, had great influences. During the Great Depression, his grandmother, Dora Schwebel, founder of Schwebel Banking Co., made sure her neighbors in the Mahoning Valley had bread to eat. His mother, Frances Solomon, was philanthropic, giving of her personal funds and helping to establish the Schwebel Foundation.

Farmers National Bank is recipient of the outstanding corporate philanthropist award. More than 100 local charities have benefited from Farmers National Bank’s generosity.

“Their philanthropy stems from the top down,” explained Teresa Boyce, development director for Beatitude House.

The employees of Farmers National Bank are involved in numerous volunteer efforts throughout the Mahoning Valley and serve in various capacities for local charities such as HOPE for Youngstown Inc., Heart Reach Ministries, Emmanuel Community Care Center, Interfaith Home Maintenance Service Inc., Trumbull Mobile Meals, First Book-Mahoning Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank, American Cancer Society and many more.

Vlad Pediatrics of Warren is being recognized as outstanding small business. As a team, Vlad Pediatrics has raised more than $100,000 for Trumbull County Relay for Life.

“There is no small business in the Valley that has done more for their community,” said Dr. Robert T. Brodell, who chairs Warren’s Relay for Life. Vlad Pediatrics is led by Dr. John Vlad, who has been an active supporter and fundraiser for the Warren YMCA and many other local organizations.

Ron and Jane James of Poland share this year’s outstanding volunteer fundraiser title. Their dedication to a variety of local charities has earned them the honor.

“As individuals and as a couple they are outstanding examples of the full and all-encompassing meaning of the word philanthropists,” said Connie Knecht, an area philanthropist.

For several years, the couple have been on the Hospice of the Valley Mardi Gras Committee. Jane James was recently named chairwoman of the development committee for Beatitude House.

Ron James is a member of the Boardman Rotary. In 1997, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his community service. He has been responsible for the capital expansion of the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, the Poland band room and the Youngstown State University stadium project.

Canfield Rotary will receive this year’s outstanding civic organization award.

The club has helped construct several structures in and around Canfield, including the community center in Fair Park. Club members have completed dozens of upgrades to playgrounds, schools and athletic facilities. The club started First Night Canfield and it continues to be a major sponsor.

“The Canfield Rotary club is honored to receive this prestigious award,” said member Mike Raulin. “Rotary clubs are committed to improving their communities and enhancing international understanding through foreign exchange programs and humanitarian outreach.”

Pupils of Poland North Elementary will receive the outstanding young philanthropist award.

It’s not the first time the pupils have been recognized for their volunteer work. The Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross honored them as “Heroes of the Valley” three of the past five years. In 2007, the school was the recipient of Chick-fil-A’s Core Essentials Award. This award is given yearly to 10 schools across the country that have helped develop outstanding character traits in all students.

The late Edward J. and Marie P. DeBartolo Sr. will receive the legacy award posthumously. Their daughter Denise DeBartolo York will accept the prestigious award in memory of her parents.

Edward J. DeBartolo died December 19, 1994. In 1988, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States bestowed by the president.

Marie P. DeBartolo, a graduate of Ursuline College and former teacher at Hillman Street School and Grant Elementary, was involved in many activities, but her favorite role among her many civic duties was helping orphaned children. In addition, she was committed to the American Cancer Society and the Ursuline Sisters and had a special interest in MillCreek Children’s Center. She died Aug. 23, 1987.

The Youngstown Chapter of the Links Inc. is receiving the special recognition award.

The chapter has been serving the community for more than 53 years. It is a group of 22 black women committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of blacks and others of African ancestry.

“This is phenomenal; we are very excited,” said Anne Cobbin, president. “We are happy to be chosen to be honored. We put forth so much effort in the community, and it is nice to be recognized.”