AFP National Philanthropy Day Honorees 2019
It is always a pleasure to take a moment and recognize those who make a positive impact on the lives of others. Founded in 1987, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southeastern Chapter hosts the National Philanthropy Day each year and honors those who reach above and beyond the call of civic duty to strengthen the foundations of our community. This year, the AFP National Philanthropy Day award honorees have not only built healthier, better educated, and more prosperous neighborhoods, they have also served as role models for generations of philanthropists to come.
To celebrate the spirit of giving, this year’s AFP recipients share what drives them to champion the growth and success of others.
By Holly Morse-Ellington
Photography by Lanewood Studio
Passion Fuels Purpose
Lynda Minks Hood: Leadership Fundraiser
When Lynda Minks Hood speaks about her motivation to give, she speaks from experience. Hood has an extensive track record in fundraising for March of Dimes, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, and American Cancer Society, among others. “You have to have that passion to do fundraising. You gotta have that spark,” says Hood, who is presently chairwoman for Erlanger Health System Foundations.
“I’m honored and consider it a privilege to work on the Foundations board to raise money,” Hood says. “To me, it is a world-class hospital, but we’re going to continue to make it world class and move onward and upward.”
Organizations and events that seek advancements in heart and cancer treatments carry special significance for Hood. In fact, they directly impact what she refers to as her “why” for activism. Her dad suffered a major heart attack and was one of the first to receive groundbreaking procedures that afforded him another 28 years. Hood herself successfully overcame stage 4 breast cancer. Both received care from Erlanger Health System.
“I don’t want this next generation to have to go through what we go through, the chemotherapy and radiation. It breaks my heart to see anyone go through that. I think it would be awesome for my grandchildren to say, ‘What was cancer?’”
Like many volunteers, Hood carves out time for charitable service while multitasking career and personal responsibilities. “Faith and family are first. Then job. And then volunteer work,” says Hood, who is also executive director of the Chattanooga Bar Association. “I just enjoy helping others. Whether it’s early in the morning, lunch meetings, or after work, you find the time to do it.”
When it comes to fundraising, Hood always aspires to surpass the goals set by the organization she’s working with. “Let’s say the organization goal is $100,000. I want to strive to do $200,000,” she says. “Anything over that is gravy.”
Hood credits guidance she’s had along the way for providing a framework to put her passion into action. “I have had many amazing mentors and learned so much from them. I hope that I’ve been able to pay that forward,” Hood says. “I do what I do for the people who came before me and for the next generation.”
Wade Hinton, Karitsa Mosley-Jones, and Carmen Davis
Collective Change
Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement: Corporate Philanthropist
Launched in 2015, the Sankofa Fund is a giving circle comprised of 16 active members. A shared philosophy on philanthropy – give your time, your talent, and your treasure – rallies their call to action. “Our mission is to pool our money and resources, and then we fund projects or programs that really support the African American community in Chattanooga,” says James McKissic, president of ArtsBuild and a Sankofa founding member. “We dig deep into the community and fund projects that otherwise might not happen without an infusion of resources.”
Sankofa’s symbol, a bird that looks back as feet point forward, is rooted in West African traditions and imagery. “What it stands for is, as we’re moving forward into the future, we are also always looking back at our ancestors, where we came from, and the things that made us who we are,” McKissic says.
He shares that a hurdle for people in need of support is figuring out where to turn and who to ask. “We give our talent to help people connect to opportunities and broaden people’s social networks,” he says. “Most of us in the group are very successful professionals in a variety of careers, but what we like to do is give back to the types of programs and projects that benefited us while we were growing up as young people in the community.”
At the start of each fiscal year, members contribute an amount of money, that varies person by person, to the fund. “From that pot, as people come to us throughout the year with needs or different concerns within the community, we meet and vote on which projects we’d like to fund or support,” he says. Some of the programs Sankofa has supported include funding for group college tours, summer art and educational camps, mobile classrooms, and band instruments for Brainerd High School.
Sankofa evaluates proposals across four target priorities: Strengthening Families, Community & Economic Development, Entrepreneurial and Art & Culture Activities, and Education & Youth Development. “We have heated and energetic meetings when we’re trying to figure out where to put the money and how to make the most use of it in the community,” McKissic says, “but we always end up as friends in support of whatever we decide.”
As a team, there isn’t one specific program they go after. Instead, they allow for flexibility based on each request. “People will come to us with their project ideas or even with emergency needs, like they need $500 more to be able to do an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) tour for spring break. We want them to come to us with their needs, and we want to get excited about helping make those a reality.”
Since its 2015 kickoff, Sankofa Fund has awarded over $120,000 to applicants. As members prepare to celebrate Sankofa’s fifth anniversary, they’ve set a goal to raise and allocate $50,000 in 2020 alone. “A lot of times we have a stereotype about philanthropy, and we think that it’s the rich men that look like the Monopoly guy,” McKissic says. “But when you break it down, every person in our city and every person in our community using the time, talent, and treasure model can be a philanthropist.”
Building Futures
Claire Calhoun: Youth in Philanthropy
While a student at Girls Preparatory School, Claire Calhoun joined Partnerships in the Community to explore volunteer opportunities. She gravitated toward several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity.
“The motivation behind Habitat’s mission is inspiring,” Calhoun says. “They focus on building a home rather than just a house. They focus on lifting people up.”
Habitat’s annual Women Build connected Calhoun with her teachers and women throughout the community – and instilled lessons beyond the classroom. “I knew these women were tough, but to see them go out and apply that in their actions – like ripping off sideboards – it’s one of the most empowering community events I’ve been to,” she says.
Trish King, history teacher and faculty sponsor of Partnerships in the Community, was instrumental in opening pathways for Calhoun. “Ms. King helped me find that link between everything I’ve been given and everything that I can give back,” Calhoun says. “With everything Ms. King has taught me, I’ve challenged myself to be more involved in things that matter, and in doing so, I’ve found a true love of service.”
In some ways, the student became the teacher. “I saw Claire grow from a quiet participant into a strong leader,” King says. “She’s really interested in learning about the world and its challenges and thinking about ways she can contribute to make it a better place. I feel that I’ve learned from her.”
As she’s discovered her voice for change, Calhoun has learned the importance of understanding the communities she’s serving. “Going forward with my commitment to community work, I definitely want to ensure that I don’t lose sight of the people I’m trying to work with,” she says. “In my pursuit of getting the project finished, it’s always good to step back and ensure that you know the people you’re trying to help. You are doing it for the community, not just to finish a task.”
In addition to Habitat, Calhoun spearheaded
a project to create a native plants garden at Middle Valley Elementary School and formed a school club aimed at environmental conservation.
“I hope I bring more kids my age into community service,” Calhoun says. “If you have the means to help somebody else, if you’re in a good position to do that in your life, then I think you should. It can have a strong impact, and I’m honored to be a figure for that.”
A Breath of Fresh Air
Barbie Standefer: Outstanding Philanthropist
With decades of volunteer service under her belt, Barbie Standefer advocates for the performing arts, education, and wellness of our community. “There are just so many wonderful volunteer opportunities in this town, from helping the homeless to helping with varying health issues, whether it be lung, cancer, or heart,” Standefer says. “You just have to walk down the street, and you can see some area in which you can help – and of course it helps if it strikes a chord with you personally, so your heart follows your efforts.”
Of the many organizations for which she devotes her time and efforts, two in particular resonate on a personal level. Standefer, along with two dozen volunteers, co-founded Friends of Special Children in 2002. The group formed to provide services that enhance the lives of children with special needs. “I have had two very dear friends with children who have disabilities, and I’ve seen how their lives have been affected,” she says of forming the organization.
Over the years, the organization has raised more than $1.4 million for Signal Centers School. “Our group is made up of fun-loving but extremely dedicated and hard-working volunteers,” Standefer says. “Our hearts are all in it.”
And their passion results in many highlights. For one, Friends of Special Children funded Chattanooga’s first fully accessible playground. “People have come from all over to see the playground and get ideas for their own,” Standefer says. Friends of Special Children also helped Signal Centers build a recreational facility, named in memory of philanthropist Maxine Block Alper. “Until that building was constructed, whenever there was a rainy day, our Signal Centers kids had no play area,” she says. “Now there is a wonderful rec center where they can get their exercise and whoop and holler. It’s just so delightful to see them over there.”
Standefer is also passionate about improving lung care. “Lung issues have deeply touched my family, from exercise-induced asthma to three members having emphysema, one having cystic fibrosis, and then two having lung cancer,” she explains.
When CHI Memorial began a capital campaign to fund a new lung center, Standefer believed the project was a perfect fit. “It seemed like an ideal way to share our blessings with the community to get the best lung care possible for Chattanooga and the surrounding areas,” she says. Standefer and other community members banded together to help establish The Buz Standefer Lung Center, named in memory of her husband.
In conjunction with the Lung Center, Standefer serves on the board of Friends of Memorial. This year, the efforts of this group will concentrate on raising funds to support the Breathe Easy mobile coach. The mobile coach will provide screening and facilitate early detection for best possible treatment outcomes. “This is the first of its kind in the country,” she says. “Many people in rural areas don’t have access to or have the funds to leave their job and come to town for diagnostic screening, so this will help.”
As more and more households juggle hectic careers and family schedules, finding time to breathe, let alone volunteer, may seem overwhelming. “Lives are so full, and people are always on the go,” Standefer says. “But volunteering is still a valuable need in our community, maybe more so than ever. I hope young people will take the time to get involved in some project and put their heart and efforts behind it. It’s beneficial to the community, but their lives will be enriched as well.”
AFP National Philanthropy Day Past Honorees
1987 – 1st Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Hugh O. Maclellan, Sr.
1988 – 2nd Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: H. Clay Evans Johnson
1989 – 3rd Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Scott L. Probasco, Jr.
1990 – 4th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.
Corporate Philanthropist: Provident Life/Accident Insurance
Leadership Fundraiser: Mai Bell Hurley
1991 – 5th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Ruth Street
Leadership Fundraiser: James D. Kennedy, Jr.
1992 – 6th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: All Contributors to the Aquarium
Corporate Philanthropist: 20 Largest Aquarium Sponsors
1993 – 7th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Ruth S. Holmberg
Corporate Philanthropist: McKee Foods Corporation
Leadership Fundraiser: Joseph F. Decosimo
1994 – 8th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Daniel and Joan Frierson
Corporate Philanthropist: American National Bank and Trust Company
Leadership Fundraiser: John P. Guerry
Young Volunteer Fundraiser: Mary Navarre Moore
1995 – 9th Annual
Corporate Philanthropist: Chattanooga Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Leadership Fundraiser: John F. Germ
Young Volunteer Fundraiser: Dr. John W. McCravey
1996 – 10th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Jo Ann Cline Yates
Corporate Philanthropist: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
Leadership Fundraiser: Mrs. Frank McDonald
Young Volunteer Fundraiser: Joseph H. Davenport III
1997 – 11th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Mervin and Helen Pregulman
Corporate Philanthropist: Bi-Lo, Inc.
Leadership Fundraiser: Judy Bellenfant
1998 – 12th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Gordon Davenport
Corporate Philanthropist: Newton Chevrolet
Leadership Fundraiser: George Key, Sr. and Tom Edd Wilson
1999 – 13th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Bryan and Kathy Patten & Cartter and Lee Patten
Corporate Philanthropist: North American Royalties
Leadership Fundraiser: Grady Williams
2000 – 14th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Elizabeth Lupton Davenport
Corporate Philanthropist: WRCB-TV Channel 3
Leadership Fundraiser: Jim and Elaine Hill
2001 – 15th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: John T. “Jack” and Alice P. Lupton
Corporate Philanthropist: First Tennessee Bank
Leadership Fundraiser: Phil Whitaker
2002 – 16th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Linda and Paul Neely
Corporate Philanthropist: Chattem Corporation
Leadership Fundraiser: Patsy Hazelwood
2003 – 17th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Joseph F. Decosimo
Corporate Philanthropist: AmSouth Bank
Leadership Fundraiser: Mayor Bob Corker
2004 – 18th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: The Caldwell Family
Corporate Philanthropist: Favorite Markets
Leadership Fundraiser: Paul Brock
2005 – 19th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: The Chazen Family
Corporate Philanthropist: Junior League of Chattanooga
Leadership Fundraiser: Sue Anne Wells
2006 – 20th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Brenda Lawson
Corporate Philanthropist: WTVC News Channel 9
Leadership Fundraiser: Alison Lebovitz
Youth in Philanthropy: Jordan Thomas
2007 – 21st Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: The J. H. Davenport, Jr. Family
Corporate Philanthropist: Cornerstone Community Bank
Leadership Fundraiser: Helen Pregulman
2008 – 22nd Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Fletcher Bright
Corporate Philanthropist: Henderson Hutcherson & McCullough PLLC
Leadership Fundraiser: Sam Smartt, Jr.
2009 – 23rd Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Francis and Gordon Smith
Corporate Philanthropist: PlayCore
Leadership Fundraiser: Ward Petty
2010 – 24th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Dr. Joseph A. and Professor Mary Jackson
Corporate Philanthropist (large): UNUM
Corporate Philanthropist (small): Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Leadership Fundraiser: Bill Wilder
2011 – 25th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: George R. Johnson Family Foundation
Corporate Philanthropist: McDonald’s Chattanooga Co-Op and Brewer Media Group
Leadership Fundraiser: Dr. Fred and Ruth Obear
2012 – 26th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: The Mark and Christine Waldrop Family
Corporate Philanthropist: Starkey Printing Company
Leadership Fundraiser: Dr. Clif and Ruzha Cleaveland
2013 – 27th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Dr. and Mrs. Jim Osborn
Corporate Philanthropist: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Leadership Fundraiser: Zan Guerry and Dr. Bill Stacy
Youth in Philanthropy: Anna Carroll
Nonprofit Professional: Peter Cooper
2014 – 28th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Franklin Farrow
Corporate Philanthropist: Hutton Companies
Volunteer Fundraiser: Keith Sanford
Youth in Philanthropy: Ralston Hartness and Thomas West (ReGenerate)
2015 – 29th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Warren Barnett
Corporate Philanthropist: Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel
Volunteer Fundraiser: Charles Lebovitz
Youth in Philanthropy: Miss Morgan McCall and Miss Harper Caswell
2016 – 30th Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: The Clarence E. Harris Foundation
Corporate Philanthropist: Publix Super Markets Charities
Leadership Fundraiser: Charles L. Arant
Youth in Philanthropy: Jack Showronnek
2017 – 31st Annual
Outstanding Philanthropist: Weldon F. Osborne Foundation, Inc.
Corporate Philanthropist: Adman Electric
Leadership Fundraiser: Dr. Dane and Sheila Boyington
Youth in Philanthropy: Kaitlyn McAfee
2018 – 32nd Annual
Outstanding Philanthropists: Ted and Kelly Alling
Corporate Philanthropist: M&M Industries
Leadership Fundraiser: Will Clegg
Youth in Philanthropy: Philip Mathews CS
