A Holland couple are among several people to be recognized by the northwest Ohio chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as part of National Philanthropy Day.
Bob and Barrie Howell will be honored as outstanding philanthropists on Wednesday, November 17, during a luncheon at the Premier banquet hall in Toledo.
They will be honored for their hard work and dedication advancing philanthropy, enhancing communities and changing the world. The Howells were nomi
The Howells were nominated by Ann Ebbert, president of Cherry Street Mission Ministries, who wrote, “Bob and Barrie Howell are a philanthropic powerhouse in our community, giving their time, talent and treasures in an effort to create lasting change in the lives of many individuals.” She noted that in 2016,
She noted that in 2016, Cherry Street Mission Ministries entered into a multimillion dollar capital campaign to overhaul the former Macomber High School building with the purpose of creating a Life Revitilization Center to holistically approach the issue of poverty in Toledo. “The Howells were
“The Howells were among the first to leverage their clout and influence among their peers toward the lofty goal. They vigorously led the campaign committee, provided strategy, recruited other funders and propelled committee leaders toward the goal, raising $7.5 million for the most vulnerable in our community.”
Ms. Ebbert said Mr. Howell used his influence as the former CEO of SSOE Corporation to amass volunteers in the work Cherry Street Mission does 365 days per year.
“He also has quietly and without fanfare been an asset in the way he has advocated on behalf of Cherry Street to foundation board members,” she said.
Mrs. Howell, the owner of Renhill temporary staffing agency, created a satellite office space at Cherry Street, and within 45 days of opening, Renhill found employment for nine homeless guests staying at Cherry Stree, Ms. Ebbert explained.
“In 2019, 107 guests found employment through Renhill, and in collaboration with Cherry Street, 70 percent found stability and were permanently hired at their job placement,” she said, adding, “Breaking cycles of poverty is a passion for the Howells, and it shows in their individual and combined support of Cherry Street’s mission.”
Also recognized at the luncheon will be:
•Outstanding Foundation–Walter E. Terhune Memorial Fund at KeyBank;
•Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist–O-I Charities Foundation;
•Outstanding Fund-raising Professional–Mary Fedderke, United Way;
•Outstanding Volunteer Fund-raiser–Steve and Jane Wurth;
•Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, ages 5 to 17–Northview National Honor Society, and
•Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, ages 18 to 23–Madelynn Greenslade, a recent graduate of University of Findlay.
AFP provides professional development programs, career-growth options, mentoring partnerships, access to resources, and opportunities to network and get involved in the philanthropic community.
National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the impact philanthropy has on the fabric of society.
