Awards ceremony recognizes nine habitual philanthropists

By Denise Dick

The chapter president was honored as Outstanding Mentor.

BOARDMAN — Nine individuals, groups and businesses that make a habit of giving back were recognized for their efforts.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ohio, Mahoning-Shenango Chapter, presented the awards Tuesday at Mr. Anthony’s in the 18th annual Philanthropy Day event.

One of the awards, Outstanding Mentor, was a surprise to its recipient.

Matt Stinson, event committee co-chairman and administrator of Copeland Oaks Foundation, presented the award to Pat Palombo, AFP chapter president. Stinson said that if Palombo had known of the award ahead of time, he would have found a way to credit others instead of himself.

Palombo is director of the office of development and stewardship at the Diocese of Youngstown.

Rich Morgan of WKBN Channel 27 News served as master of ceremonies.

Barry and Cindy Solomon of Girard received the outstanding philanthropist award for their work with Easter Seals and other organizations. They recently provided financial support for new equipment to help disabled children and adults using Easter Seals services.

Frank Paden, president and chief executive officer of Farmers National Bank, accepted the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist award given to the bank.

“They are not only philanthropists but also true leaders in our community,” Morgan said of Farmers.

Paden said the bank gives about $150,000 each year to philanthropic efforts.

Vlad Pediatrics of Warren earned the Outstanding Small Business Award. Morgan pointed to the office’s active role in the Trumbull County Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society.

As a team, Vlad Pediatrics has raised more than $100,000 for the relay, marking its 10th anniversary as participants in 2007.

Dr. John O. Vlad told the sold-out audience of roughly 400 that he initially learned his spirit of philanthropy from his immigrant parents, although at that time helping others was just a way of life in his community.

Ron and Janie James, of Poland, were honored as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers. The couple has contributed as well as encouraged contributions from others to organizations including Beatitude House, Hospice House and the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown.

“Our joy is seeing the mothers and children at Beatitude House succeed or having someone comment on the positive experience they had at Hospice House,” James said.

Canfield Rotary was recognized as Outstanding Civic Organization. The organization started First Night Canfield and has completed upgrades to many playgrounds, schools and athletic facilities.

Pupils of Poland North Elementary earned the Outstanding Young Philanthropists award. The school has raised several thousand dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation over the last few years. Sixteen North pupils accepted the award.

“You don’t have to be old, rich or famous to help people,” said first-grader Bryce Edison, 6. “I’ve helped many and I’m not famous yet.”

Special recognition went to the Youngstown Chapter of The Links Inc., an organization of black women who perform community service to strengthen the community.

Group President Anne Cobbin called the organization the best-kept secret in Youngstown. “It is truly an honor for us to stand here and accept this,” she said.

The Legacy Award went to the late Edward J. and Marie DeBartolo Sr. While people are familiar with the professional accomplishments of the DeBartolo family, many may not realize that giving to the community is what gave the couple the most joy, Morgan said.

The couple established scholarships and helped those less fortunate.

Denise DeBartolo York accepted the award in memory of her late parents.

“Today is a big honor,” DeBartolo York said. “This is the greatest honor I’ve ever accepted.”

Her parents were humble and would have been embarrassed by the spotlight and attention, she said. They didn’t seek celebrity for the work they did to help others. They did it because it was the right thing to do, DeBartolo York said.

denise_dick@vindy.com