2012 Philanthropy Day Award Winners
Please help The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy and the citizens of Story County to recognize all that the following people/groups have done in the name of philanthropy. Join us at the annual Philanthropy Day celebration to recognize their achievements and contributions to our community:
2011 Philanthropy Day Award Winners
Please help The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy and the citizens of Story County to recognize all that the following people/groups have done in the name of philanthropy. Join us at the annual Philanthropy Day celebration to recognize their achievements and contributions to our community:
Willie and Rollie Struss
Outstanding Individual Volunteer Fundraiser
Nominated by Ames Historical Society
Ames Historical Society would not be where it is today without the generosity and dedication of Willie and Rollie Struss. Willie and Rollie see a community need and quietly and quickly move to fill that need.
In 2008, they agreed to be co-chairs of the fundraising committee to secure a permanent home for the Ames Historical Society. They organized mass mailings and managed the donor list. Willie wrote thank-you notes to each donor. They personally talked to the majority prospective donors and led building tours. Because of their outstanding effort, nearly $400,000 was raised in 2008, a year of declining state and national economic conditions. This allowed the purchase of the building in December 2008. They continue their leadership and raise funds for the endowment and ongoing operating expenses.
With grant dollars, they established an oral history center for the Ames Historical Society. Grant money purchased equipment used to record stories and remembrances of Ames residents.
Willie and Rollie have been involved in the growth and development of the ISU College for Seniors, now OLLI. Rollie served as Board Chair and was involved in obtaining a $1 million grant for OLLI. They are long-time members of Memorial Lutheran Church where they provide leadership and support, making stewardship calls and aiding in fundraising efforts for an office addition and organ repair in addition to ongoing financial support.
Nominated by Ames Historical Society
Ames Historical Society would not be where it is today without the generosity and dedication of Willie and Rollie Struss. Willie and Rollie see a community need and quietly and quickly move to fill that need.
In 2008, they agreed to be co-chairs of the fundraising committee to secure a permanent home for the Ames Historical Society. They organized mass mailings and managed the donor list. Willie wrote thank-you notes to each donor. They personally talked to the majority prospective donors and led building tours. Because of their outstanding effort, nearly $400,000 was raised in 2008, a year of declining state and national economic conditions. This allowed the purchase of the building in December 2008. They continue their leadership and raise funds for the endowment and ongoing operating expenses.
With grant dollars, they established an oral history center for the Ames Historical Society. Grant money purchased equipment used to record stories and remembrances of Ames residents.
Willie and Rollie have been involved in the growth and development of the ISU College for Seniors, now OLLI. Rollie served as Board Chair and was involved in obtaining a $1 million grant for OLLI. They are long-time members of Memorial Lutheran Church where they provide leadership and support, making stewardship calls and aiding in fundraising efforts for an office addition and organ repair in addition to ongoing financial support.
Josephine Tope Community Auditorium
Capital Campaign Committee
Outstanding Group Volunteer Fundraiser
Nominated by Nevada Community Schools
Through the efforts of Greg Madsen and Laurie Henry, co-chairs, this committee raised over $4.1 million for the construction of a 600-seat auditorium for the Nevada Community School District. The Josephine Tope Trust pledged $2 million (dollar for dollar match) to get the auditorium project started. The time and effort of the individuals involved in this project was tremendous. The number of campaign meetings and presentations made numbered in the hundreds. Numerous fundraising activities took place including working for the Iowa State Dining Service, holding a magic show and conducting a silent auction. The group engaged over 70 individuals in setting up and implementing this campaign. Because of their enthusiasm, other organizations jumped in to help raise funds. They were successful in raising the matching funds in just over a year, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in July. The community will enjoy a facility that will not only show case the talents of the Nevada Community School District young people, but be used by community residents for years to come.
Nominated by Nevada Community Schools
Through the efforts of Greg Madsen and Laurie Henry, co-chairs, this committee raised over $4.1 million for the construction of a 600-seat auditorium for the Nevada Community School District. The Josephine Tope Trust pledged $2 million (dollar for dollar match) to get the auditorium project started. The time and effort of the individuals involved in this project was tremendous. The number of campaign meetings and presentations made numbered in the hundreds. Numerous fundraising activities took place including working for the Iowa State Dining Service, holding a magic show and conducting a silent auction. The group engaged over 70 individuals in setting up and implementing this campaign. Because of their enthusiasm, other organizations jumped in to help raise funds. They were successful in raising the matching funds in just over a year, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place in July. The community will enjoy a facility that will not only show case the talents of the Nevada Community School District young people, but be used by community residents for years to come.
Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist
Nominated by Ames Public Library
The Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is an enthusiastic, committed and diverse group of youth from sixth through twelfth grades. Co-presidents Divya Navi and Tripti Upreti, both of whom are entering their senior years in high school, lead the group. Currently there are 28 active members. TAG identifies fundraising needs in the library and determines the best fundraising route. Since 2007, TAG has identified the Project Smyles program, focused on increasing early literacy in children ages 0-6, as a great library need. Members raised $1,326 last fiscal year to support this project, contributing over a hundred hours preparing for and participating in fundraising activities.
TAG members identify projects each year that benefit teens and the library. They share ideas and input and through fundraising provide support to teen programming. Over the last two years, they have raised funds to purchase two Wii gaming systems for use in the Library. Members volunteer their time in support of the current building expansion project and for the Library bi-annual book sales.
Through their outside fundraising efforts, volunteer time and input at Teen Advisory Group meetings and Ames Public Library Friends Foundation meetings, members of TAG are contributing to the overall success of the library and Ames community.
Nominated by Ames Public Library
The Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is an enthusiastic, committed and diverse group of youth from sixth through twelfth grades. Co-presidents Divya Navi and Tripti Upreti, both of whom are entering their senior years in high school, lead the group. Currently there are 28 active members. TAG identifies fundraising needs in the library and determines the best fundraising route. Since 2007, TAG has identified the Project Smyles program, focused on increasing early literacy in children ages 0-6, as a great library need. Members raised $1,326 last fiscal year to support this project, contributing over a hundred hours preparing for and participating in fundraising activities.
TAG members identify projects each year that benefit teens and the library. They share ideas and input and through fundraising provide support to teen programming. Over the last two years, they have raised funds to purchase two Wii gaming systems for use in the Library. Members volunteer their time in support of the current building expansion project and for the Library bi-annual book sales.
Through their outside fundraising efforts, volunteer time and input at Teen Advisory Group meetings and Ames Public Library Friends Foundation meetings, members of TAG are contributing to the overall success of the library and Ames community.
Alpha Copies & Print Center
Outstanding Business Philanthropist
Nominated by Youth and Shelter Services, Inc.
Alpha Copies & Print Center opened in 2005 and quickly established itself as a business that actively supports the community and provides exceptional customer service. Alpha Copies donates an average of $25,000 in printing and cash each year to an extensive list of non-profits and other causes.
The Ames Chamber named John Crawford and Alpha Copies & Print Center Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. John was cited for his support of needs and causes in the community and around the world. He always goes the extra mile to serve his customers. He donates extensive amounts of printing services to churches and other ministries, a long list of schools, clubs, as well as numerous non-profits.
This year John launched a new initiative to promote awareness of Childhood Obesity. Alpha Copies also provides support for breast cancer research and Leadership Ames community projects. Alpha discounts wedding invitations and programs and offers a $100 refund to couples who stay married for two years.
The philosophy of Alpha Copies & Print Center is that if they can offer services free or at a discount, organizations can save money that can be used to carry out their important mission.
Nominated by Youth and Shelter Services, Inc.
Alpha Copies & Print Center opened in 2005 and quickly established itself as a business that actively supports the community and provides exceptional customer service. Alpha Copies donates an average of $25,000 in printing and cash each year to an extensive list of non-profits and other causes.
The Ames Chamber named John Crawford and Alpha Copies & Print Center Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010. John was cited for his support of needs and causes in the community and around the world. He always goes the extra mile to serve his customers. He donates extensive amounts of printing services to churches and other ministries, a long list of schools, clubs, as well as numerous non-profits.
This year John launched a new initiative to promote awareness of Childhood Obesity. Alpha Copies also provides support for breast cancer research and Leadership Ames community projects. Alpha discounts wedding invitations and programs and offers a $100 refund to couples who stay married for two years.
The philosophy of Alpha Copies & Print Center is that if they can offer services free or at a discount, organizations can save money that can be used to carry out their important mission.
Carolyn and Chuck Jons
Outstanding Family Philanthropist
Nominated by Story County Community Foundation
Carolyn is passionate about children and learning. She served on the Ames School Board for 15 years, advocated for every child learning at high levels and helped establish the Ames School District Education Foundation. She helped found the Ames Baby Talk coalition which became Raising Readers in Story County. As a board member, she leads the fundraising team and writes grants for literacy projects. Carolyn also helped found United Way of Story County’s "Women with Initiative" program.
As a McFarland doctor, Chuck participated in Rotary, Bethesda Church and YSS. Since retiring, Chuck's service includes United Way of Story County campaign chair, ASSET representative, SHIPP counselor at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames Planning and Zoning Commission, Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, Green Hills Board, Bethesda Stewardship Committee and Ames Public Library Foundation. On summer Monday mornings, Chuck and Carolyn distribute Plant-A-Row produce to local agencies.
Chuck and Carolyn feel strongly that reading is essential for lifelong learning. They contribute financially to Raising Readers by giving to the November Annual Appeal funding current needs and to the Raising Readers Endowment Fund for long-term sustainability. In 2008, they established the Jons Family Fund Endowment as another way to leave a legacy and continue to support literacy long into the future.
Nominated by Story County Community Foundation
Carolyn is passionate about children and learning. She served on the Ames School Board for 15 years, advocated for every child learning at high levels and helped establish the Ames School District Education Foundation. She helped found the Ames Baby Talk coalition which became Raising Readers in Story County. As a board member, she leads the fundraising team and writes grants for literacy projects. Carolyn also helped found United Way of Story County’s "Women with Initiative" program.
As a McFarland doctor, Chuck participated in Rotary, Bethesda Church and YSS. Since retiring, Chuck's service includes United Way of Story County campaign chair, ASSET representative, SHIPP counselor at Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames Planning and Zoning Commission, Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, Green Hills Board, Bethesda Stewardship Committee and Ames Public Library Foundation. On summer Monday mornings, Chuck and Carolyn distribute Plant-A-Row produce to local agencies.
Chuck and Carolyn feel strongly that reading is essential for lifelong learning. They contribute financially to Raising Readers by giving to the November Annual Appeal funding current needs and to the Raising Readers Endowment Fund for long-term sustainability. In 2008, they established the Jons Family Fund Endowment as another way to leave a legacy and continue to support literacy long into the future.
