Philanthropists know it's better to give

YOUNGSTOWN

The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mahoning/Shenango Chapter, is announcing Philanthropy Day award recipients for 2010.

The philanthropists will receive their awards at a lunchtime ceremony Tuesday at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman.

The recipients follow:

Flor “Shorty” Navarro, Outstanding Philanthropist.

Navarro is president of Stadium Auto Group.

Born in Puerto Rico, Navarro came to the United States when he was 14. He first worked as an attendant at a Wilson Avenue gas station, which he bought when he was 16, with his father as co-signer. At the time, he was a student at East High School.

Navarro said his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and compassion for the needy.

In 2001, he established a $100,000 scholarship fund for Hispanic students at Youngstown State University, where he serves on the President’s Council.

Navarro is a board member of Hospice of the Valley and Red Cross. He is also a member of Boardman Rotary.

Key Bank National Association, Outstanding Corporate philanthropist.

Key Bank focuses its support on projects that promote economic self-sufficiency.

One such project is Neighbors Make a Difference Day, on which bank employees gather to serve the community.

Among the organizations Key Bank supports are Beatitude House, Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Jamestown Coating Technologies, Outstanding Small Business.

Jamestown is a 125-year-old family-owned company that develops and manufactures paints and coatings. Jamestown has two locations in western Pennsylvania and employs 65 people.

The owners and employees have a long history of supporting the community, including volunteer work and financial contributions.

The Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.

The ADAEO represents 40 new car and truck dealers in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties and associate members from industry-related businesses.

Since 1999 ADAEO has conducted a charity auction. This year’s event, which was May 1, generated $47,873 for the Rich Center for Autism. The total raised to date is $399,088.

Rotary District 7280 Leadership Camp, Outstanding Young Philanthropists.

Each year the Rotary district sponsors a summer camp for 100-plus developing young leaders.

As part of a service project, about 30 16- and 17-year-olds brainstormed ways to raise money in five days to help an Amish family.

The family was facing a $250,000 hospital bill incurred by their 2-year-old son. The teens, through a variety of ways, including door-to-door solicitation, raised nearly $3,000 to present to the family.

Mildred R. Landis, Legacy Award.

Landis began teaching in a one-room country school in Pennsylvania.

During her long teaching career she lived in seven states with her husband, Bruce Landis Jr., instilling in her students the gift of giving. In 2006, Mrs. Landis passed away at 93.

Her causes are still supported by the Mildred R. and Bruce A. Landis Charitable Foundation.

It provides scholarships to graduating seniors of Lakeview High School and assistance to many organizations, including St. Paul Homes, Greenville; The Children’s Aid Society, Mercer; and Mildred R. Landis Elementary School, Houston.

Thomas Fleming and D. Joseph Fleming, Special Recognition.

The brothers are successful businessmen who have a philanthropic spirit.

Since 1982, Tom has been president of Aim NationaLease.

Tom shares his time and resources with many organizations, including Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (chairman of the board), YSU Foundation (vice chairman of the board), Youngstown YMCA (vice president), Goodwill Industries (past board chairman), Beatitude House and Catholic Charities.

D. Joseph is chairman of Fleming Leasing L.L.C. of Springfield, Va., and Landover, Md.

He donates his time and resources to the following, among others: Humility of Mary Health Partners (finance committee), Goodwill Industries (board), Mill Creek Children’s Center (board, transition committee chairman), Greater East Ohio Alzheimer’s Association (board vice president), Beatitude House Green Clean (chairman of the board) and Catholic Charities (board).

More than 250 people are expected to attend the awards this year. Registration and reception are at 11 a.m., and lunch will be at noon, followed by the awards presentation.

Tickets can be obtained by calling 330-758-3572 or visit www.afpmash.org.