Local
Local businesses and leaders to be recognized for philanthropy
National Philanthropy day is Friday, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Upper Mississippi Valley Chapter is celebrating with a luncheon that recognizes leading people and businesses in the area.
Rose Dobbs, chapter president, said the event is a great reminder of good things happening locally.
“La Crosse and our surrounding communities are just so unique in our generosity,” Dobbs said. “I’ve heard many people who have visited the area or relocated comment on that this is a really special community and region, so coming and taking the time to celebrate that, is exciting in itself. Even if they don’t know the honorees, it can also spark some ideas within themselves of ways they can reach out and make a difference within their sphere of influence.”
Dobbs selected the Rotary Works Foundation for the President’s Award. It was an organization her late father as active within downtown La Crosse.
“I was actually a youth exchange student my senior year of high school because of rotary sponsoring me locally,” Dobbs said. “I was able to travel to Mexico for a year, which completely changed my life, so their impact is amazing when you look at the foundation and how they pull together efforts from all of the area clubs to just continue to do good in so many different ways.”
The Outstanding Philanthropists award went to Marilyn and Jeff Roverud of Decorah. The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser was Kevin O’Reilly of Winona. Dahl Automotive was chosen for the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization.
“Philanthropy can be individuals who really use their talents, time, or treasure to impact area nonprofits, as well as youth in the community who are doing projects,” Dobbs said. “Philanthropy is really the love of humankind, so that can be translated in a lot of different ways, which is why this event is so exciting because it celebrates all of those different ways that we can come together and make a difference.”
The luncheon will be at the Western Technical College Campus Lunda Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event is open to the public, and tickets are $30 per person, or a full table of eight can be purchased for $240 online. This is the 34th annual event hosted locally in conjunction with celebrations across the nation.