Two individuals in the fundraising profession will be honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the profession at VAFRE’s eighteenth annual Awards Luncheon at the Virginia Historical Society on April 7, 2009. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Edward L. Ayers, President, University of Richmond.
The Nina Abady Award is the most prestigious award given by The Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives (VAFRE). It is presented to that fundraising professional and VAFRE member who has demonstrated utmost excellence in the field of development. The award signifies to individuals, organizations, and the greater community that the recipient has garnered the respect and admiration of colleagues throughout the Commonwealth for professional and ethical service.
Richmond icon Nina Abady was a university instructor/lawyer turned development professional who was passionate about both the community and the arts. She put that passion to work as a founder and supporter of a number of Richmond community, historic and civic events before her death in 1993. Nina Abady founded “Downtown Presents,” “Friday Cheers,” “The Big Gig” and the “Second Street Festival,” all very successful endeavors that revitalized the downtown area by bringing thousands out to enjoy and celebrate artists, musicians, and other performers in Richmond. “Nina was a founding member of VAFRE and recognized as a force of nature—a remarkably good person, a fantastic motivator, and a champion for social justice with an uncommon devotion to humanity,” said Patricia Morris, VAFRE Award Committee Co-chair. “It is fitting that the prize for excellence in the field of advancement bears Nina’s name.”
Barbara Wells, Director of Development at SPARC is the 2009 winner of the Nina Abady Award. Her colleagues in the development field view Barbara as a strong, quiet, respected leader. Her expertise and uniquely humble spirit make her an extraordinary asset and personal friend to those with whom she works. Barbara has devoted her exceptional career to the non-profit sector in the Richmond area and credits VAFRE with giving her the energy, ideas and tools for success. She says, “It is the people who make up the VAFRE organization that make it so special and so effective. I am deeply grateful for the camaraderie and support shone to me by so many colleagues for so many years.”
The Rising Star Award is made annually to a VAFRE member who exhibits excellent potential and who has demonstrated remarkable talents at an early stage in their fundraising career.
Aimee Koch, Development Manager at Art 180 is the 2009 Rising Star Award recipient. “Aimee epitomizes the innate ability some of us have as development professionals. She has quickly become a development generalist with a strong work ethic and accurate intuition. She is active in the arts community and still produces and exhibits her own work nationally” says her nominator.
VAFRE invites you to join them on April 7, 2009 for the awards luncheon. This luncheon provides a significant opportunity to show your love and appreciation for the recipients.
For complete details click here or to register for the luncheon click here. Please note that the luncheon fee is included in the Season Pass.
Questions? Call 804-288-2950.
