2023 Philanthropy Day Award Winners
Please help The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy and the citizens of Story County recognize the following people and groups and their philanthropic contributions.
Jennifer Garst
Spirit of Philanthropy
Nominated by The Bridge Home and Story County Community Foundation
The recipient of this award is an individual that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to philanthropy throughout their lifetime with both financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others and has made a lasting impact on their community.
Spirit of Philanthropy
Nominated by The Bridge Home and Story County Community Foundation
The recipient of this award is an individual that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to philanthropy throughout their lifetime with both financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others and has made a lasting impact on their community.
Jennifer Garst has been a silent philanthropist in Story County since she moved to Ames. Her impact on our community was large and without anyone knowing the full impact of her generosity!
Jennifer achieved a masters and PhD in social psychology from Michigan State University. She eventually brought her philanthropic knowledge back to Central Iowa. Jenniffer first managed planned giving at Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. She then brought her skills and knowledge of fundraising to the Story County Community Foundation. Jennifer joined Story County Community Foundation as a part time employee in 2010; she was also their first paid staff member. She had recognized the need for a full-time director for the organization and she wasn’t planning on it being her. So, she committed to raising enough money for Story County Community Foundation to support the full-time director. And she raised those funds as promised.
While heading the Story County Community Foundation, Jennifer shared the benefits of establishing donor advised funds and endowments for local non-profits. Many in this room can attest that they have a Donor Advised Fund or their agency has an endowment fund because Jennifer told them it would be good.
Jennifer has served on many boards of directors and shared her knowledge of fundraising, philanthropy and spreadsheets. Jennifer currently serves on The Bridge Home, Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA), Whiterock Conservancy of Coon Rapids, and American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa boards of directors and has held offices on their boards, as well. Through the years Jennifer has also served on other non-profit boards including: Ames Public Library Friends Foundation, Wheatsfield Cooperative, Adventure Cycling Association of Missoula, Montana, and the Iowa Environmental Council. Jennifer also serves on the board of directors at Home State Bank in Jefferson and Racoon Valley in Perry. She has inspired their boards to be philanthropic within their communities, in true Jennifer spirit!
Jennifer has been an amazing mentor and teacher to so many new development professionals. With her direct honest approach to sharing her knowledge, she has cultivated a passion for fundraising work in many local non-profits. Andrea Gronau appreciates the time that Jennnifer took to help her with her development role, “Jennifer gave me a strong base to learn from and guided me to understand how important my job is and how to focus on the goal at hand. Her knowledge of spreadsheets taught me to take our reporting to a new level. Thank you, Jennifer, for being the kind, caring, compassionate person you are! You have made a difference in our community! You are truly one of a kind!”
Not only has Jennifer been generous with her time and talent and skills, but she has also been generous with her resources. Over 45 organizations have been recipients of Jennifer’s generosity many of them year after year. These gifts were “difference makers” for the organizations receiving them. Jennifer has established a Legacy Fund at the Story County Community Foundation which will continue her personal philanthropic legacy and support many of her favorite organizations well into the future.
Daryl Vegge shared, “Philanthropy is defined as generosity in all its forms. Jennifer is at the top of the list; she inspires others around her to start on the journey of philanthropy and others to become even more philanthropic.” The world, especially Story County, is a much better place because Jennifer shares and practices philanthropy every day! Thank you, Jennifer!
Jennifer achieved a masters and PhD in social psychology from Michigan State University. She eventually brought her philanthropic knowledge back to Central Iowa. Jenniffer first managed planned giving at Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. She then brought her skills and knowledge of fundraising to the Story County Community Foundation. Jennifer joined Story County Community Foundation as a part time employee in 2010; she was also their first paid staff member. She had recognized the need for a full-time director for the organization and she wasn’t planning on it being her. So, she committed to raising enough money for Story County Community Foundation to support the full-time director. And she raised those funds as promised.
While heading the Story County Community Foundation, Jennifer shared the benefits of establishing donor advised funds and endowments for local non-profits. Many in this room can attest that they have a Donor Advised Fund or their agency has an endowment fund because Jennifer told them it would be good.
Jennifer has served on many boards of directors and shared her knowledge of fundraising, philanthropy and spreadsheets. Jennifer currently serves on The Bridge Home, Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA), Whiterock Conservancy of Coon Rapids, and American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa boards of directors and has held offices on their boards, as well. Through the years Jennifer has also served on other non-profit boards including: Ames Public Library Friends Foundation, Wheatsfield Cooperative, Adventure Cycling Association of Missoula, Montana, and the Iowa Environmental Council. Jennifer also serves on the board of directors at Home State Bank in Jefferson and Racoon Valley in Perry. She has inspired their boards to be philanthropic within their communities, in true Jennifer spirit!
Jennifer has been an amazing mentor and teacher to so many new development professionals. With her direct honest approach to sharing her knowledge, she has cultivated a passion for fundraising work in many local non-profits. Andrea Gronau appreciates the time that Jennnifer took to help her with her development role, “Jennifer gave me a strong base to learn from and guided me to understand how important my job is and how to focus on the goal at hand. Her knowledge of spreadsheets taught me to take our reporting to a new level. Thank you, Jennifer, for being the kind, caring, compassionate person you are! You have made a difference in our community! You are truly one of a kind!”
Not only has Jennifer been generous with her time and talent and skills, but she has also been generous with her resources. Over 45 organizations have been recipients of Jennifer’s generosity many of them year after year. These gifts were “difference makers” for the organizations receiving them. Jennifer has established a Legacy Fund at the Story County Community Foundation which will continue her personal philanthropic legacy and support many of her favorite organizations well into the future.
Daryl Vegge shared, “Philanthropy is defined as generosity in all its forms. Jennifer is at the top of the list; she inspires others around her to start on the journey of philanthropy and others to become even more philanthropic.” The world, especially Story County, is a much better place because Jennifer shares and practices philanthropy every day! Thank you, Jennifer!
Story Construction
Outstanding Business Philanthropist
Nominated by United Way of Story County
The recipient of this award is a business that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement in Story County.
Story Construction has been a vital part of the Ames Community for nearly 90 years, leaving an indelible mark through their involvement in various building projects, both large and small. Their headquarters in Ames reflects their profound dedication to our community's betterment.
In 2022, Story Construction hosted the LIVE UNITED Campaign, raising $20,000 from their employees and matching it with $10,000, showcasing their generous spirit. These funds continue to support 30 agencies and nearly 90 programs each year, emphasizing their commitment to improving lives. In 2023, they also participated in the LIVE UNITED Food Drive, collecting an impressive 430 pounds of food, and sponsored United Way’s Golf Fore Kids event, raising $25,000 for children and families.
Furthermore, Story Construction's support extends to education foundations and booster clubs for school districts in Story County, and active participation in the Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations, highlighting their engagement in local initiatives. Notably, they have supported ChildServe for more than two decades, contributing nearly $30,000 for capital improvements, fundraising events, and partnering in ChildServe's recent 19,000-square-foot expansion project. Story Construction's unwavering commitment to charitable endeavors sets an inspiring example of community engagement and philanthropy.
Previous Outstanding Business Philanthropist Award Recipients
Woodruff Construction (2022); Ames Ford Lincoln (2021); RE/MAX Real Estate Center (2019); South Story Bank and Trust (2018); Renewable Energy Group (2017); Country Landscapes (2016); Wilson Toyota Scion of Ames (2015); Bethesda Lutheran Church (2014); 3M (2013); Kreg Tool Company (2012); Alpha Copies & Print Centers(2011); Greater Iowa Credit Union (2010); Burke Corporation (2009); First National Bank (2008); Sauer-Danfoss (2007); McFarland Clinic PC (2006); Pella Rolscreen Foundation, SC (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
In 2022, Story Construction hosted the LIVE UNITED Campaign, raising $20,000 from their employees and matching it with $10,000, showcasing their generous spirit. These funds continue to support 30 agencies and nearly 90 programs each year, emphasizing their commitment to improving lives. In 2023, they also participated in the LIVE UNITED Food Drive, collecting an impressive 430 pounds of food, and sponsored United Way’s Golf Fore Kids event, raising $25,000 for children and families.
Furthermore, Story Construction's support extends to education foundations and booster clubs for school districts in Story County, and active participation in the Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations, highlighting their engagement in local initiatives. Notably, they have supported ChildServe for more than two decades, contributing nearly $30,000 for capital improvements, fundraising events, and partnering in ChildServe's recent 19,000-square-foot expansion project. Story Construction's unwavering commitment to charitable endeavors sets an inspiring example of community engagement and philanthropy.
Previous Outstanding Business Philanthropist Award Recipients
Woodruff Construction (2022); Ames Ford Lincoln (2021); RE/MAX Real Estate Center (2019); South Story Bank and Trust (2018); Renewable Energy Group (2017); Country Landscapes (2016); Wilson Toyota Scion of Ames (2015); Bethesda Lutheran Church (2014); 3M (2013); Kreg Tool Company (2012); Alpha Copies & Print Centers(2011); Greater Iowa Credit Union (2010); Burke Corporation (2009); First National Bank (2008); Sauer-Danfoss (2007); McFarland Clinic PC (2006); Pella Rolscreen Foundation, SC (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Pam Sibbel Music School
Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy
Nominated by The Bridge Home
The recipient of this award is an individual under age 25 or a group with members age 25 or younger that demonstrates outstanding commitment of time, talent and resources to raise financial support for a non-profit organization, cause or project and show evidence of leadership and/or mentoring of other youth in Story County.
Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy
Nominated by The Bridge Home
The recipient of this award is an individual under age 25 or a group with members age 25 or younger that demonstrates outstanding commitment of time, talent and resources to raise financial support for a non-profit organization, cause or project and show evidence of leadership and/or mentoring of other youth in Story County.
Pam Sibbel Music Students are the 2023 Story County Alliance for Philanthropy’s Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy Award winners. Through their countless hours of piano practice during their annual Practice-a-Thon, they have been able to donate over $64,000 to various human service agencies in the Ames Community. Pam’s overall goal was to teach care and compassion to her students, and she explains that the annual event is conducted by the youth. The students find sponsors, record and total their practice for a seven-day period, and then collect and turn in their contributions. The students’ motivation to connect with others for sponsorship of their practice time shows the quality of leadership and organizational ability that will allow them to continue their philanthropic efforts throughout their lives.
These youth commit to not only improving their musical skills but also improving the lives of fellow Story County residents by using their time, talents, and resources to become young philanthropists. They are proving that “when we face the music together, we make powerful, collective changes!”
Previous Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy Award Recipients
Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club(2022); SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) Food Pantry at Iowa State University (2021); Roland-Story Community School District – Student Organizations (2019); Michael Wiechmann (2018); Latinx Student Leadership Council (2018); AHS Reggie’s Sleep Out Committee (2017); Pi Kappa Alpha (2016); Kate Hulshizer (2015); Mrs. Lynn Nielsen’s Special Needs Class (2014); Girl Scout Troop 28 and 150 (2013); Nevada High School Key Club (2012); Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (2011); Story County Youth Philanthropists (2010); Central Elementary K-Kids (2009); Joe Wallace (2008); Cory M. Hanson (2007); Nevada Multiage Program (2006); Kevin Geiken and Keegan Kautzky (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
These youth commit to not only improving their musical skills but also improving the lives of fellow Story County residents by using their time, talents, and resources to become young philanthropists. They are proving that “when we face the music together, we make powerful, collective changes!”
Previous Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy Award Recipients
Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club(2022); SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) Food Pantry at Iowa State University (2021); Roland-Story Community School District – Student Organizations (2019); Michael Wiechmann (2018); Latinx Student Leadership Council (2018); AHS Reggie’s Sleep Out Committee (2017); Pi Kappa Alpha (2016); Kate Hulshizer (2015); Mrs. Lynn Nielsen’s Special Needs Class (2014); Girl Scout Troop 28 and 150 (2013); Nevada High School Key Club (2012); Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (2011); Story County Youth Philanthropists (2010); Central Elementary K-Kids (2009); Joe Wallace (2008); Cory M. Hanson (2007); Nevada Multiage Program (2006); Kevin Geiken and Keegan Kautzky (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Lou and Cosette Scallon
Outstanding Philanthropists
Nominated by Story County Community Foundation
The recipient of this award is an individual, couple or family that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs in Story County.
Outstanding Philanthropists
Nominated by Story County Community Foundation
The recipient of this award is an individual, couple or family that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs in Story County.
Lou and Cosette Scallon have been “silent angels of philanthropy” for many nonprofits in Story County for many years. When they give of themselves and provide support, they are not looking for recognition, giving is just a part of who they are.
Lou is a retired Ophthalmologist from Wolfe Eye Clinic where he practiced for 34 years. Cosette is a physician who practiced for 33 years at the ISU Thielen Student Health Services. They not only shared their talents through their work, but also in their free time having touched the lives of many through their charitable work and giving. Lou and Cosette have had significant impact on the following organizations and many others in Story County: YSS, Story County Community Foundation, Friendship Ark, Ames History Museum, Heartland Senior Center/60 Forward, Raising Readers, The Bridge Home, ACCESS, Ames Public Library Foundation, Mainstream Living, Mary Greeley Foundation, NAMI Central Iowa, Center for Creative Justice, United Way of Story County, Ames Swimming and Aquatics Facility, and Ames Education Foundation.
In addition to their financial support, they also give of their time, both having served on numerous boards and committees in Story County and beyond, sharing their talents at medical clinics in Honduras and Tanzania as well. Lou and Cosette embody the spirit of philanthropy in all they do and their impact in Story County will be felt for many years to come.
Previous Outstanding Philanthropist Award Recipients
Al and Karen Hermanson (2022); Sarah and J. Ben Buck (2021); Ruth Harris (2019); Pat and Louis Banitt (2018); Jeff and Peggy Johnson (2017); Bev and Warren Madden (2016); Hertz Family: Randy and Liz Hertz and Tom and Joyce Hertz (2015); Julie and Harold Pike (2014); Yvonne and Kevin Kinzler (2013); Jennifer and Brian Dieter (2012); Carolyn and Chuck Jons (2011); Janice and Marvin Walter (2010); Clare and Jim Frevert (2009); Sherry and Lee Sargent (2008); Ruth and Clayton Swenson (2007); Marge and Erb Hunziker (2006); Janet S. and Donald R. Payer (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Lou is a retired Ophthalmologist from Wolfe Eye Clinic where he practiced for 34 years. Cosette is a physician who practiced for 33 years at the ISU Thielen Student Health Services. They not only shared their talents through their work, but also in their free time having touched the lives of many through their charitable work and giving. Lou and Cosette have had significant impact on the following organizations and many others in Story County: YSS, Story County Community Foundation, Friendship Ark, Ames History Museum, Heartland Senior Center/60 Forward, Raising Readers, The Bridge Home, ACCESS, Ames Public Library Foundation, Mainstream Living, Mary Greeley Foundation, NAMI Central Iowa, Center for Creative Justice, United Way of Story County, Ames Swimming and Aquatics Facility, and Ames Education Foundation.
In addition to their financial support, they also give of their time, both having served on numerous boards and committees in Story County and beyond, sharing their talents at medical clinics in Honduras and Tanzania as well. Lou and Cosette embody the spirit of philanthropy in all they do and their impact in Story County will be felt for many years to come.
Previous Outstanding Philanthropist Award Recipients
Al and Karen Hermanson (2022); Sarah and J. Ben Buck (2021); Ruth Harris (2019); Pat and Louis Banitt (2018); Jeff and Peggy Johnson (2017); Bev and Warren Madden (2016); Hertz Family: Randy and Liz Hertz and Tom and Joyce Hertz (2015); Julie and Harold Pike (2014); Yvonne and Kevin Kinzler (2013); Jennifer and Brian Dieter (2012); Carolyn and Chuck Jons (2011); Janice and Marvin Walter (2010); Clare and Jim Frevert (2009); Sherry and Lee Sargent (2008); Ruth and Clayton Swenson (2007); Marge and Erb Hunziker (2006); Janet S. and Donald R. Payer (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
