From Ames Middle School to Woodruff Construction, philanthropy awards recognize local givers
Five awards were given to people and organizations who have made a difference in Ames and Story County on Thursday, the 17th annual Story County Philanthropy Day.
The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy presented the awards at its annual luncheon.
“The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy is interested in showing appreciation for all that has been accomplished in the name of giving — and to show that there is still much to do,” the organization's leaders wrote in a statement. “By celebrating the annual Story County Philanthropy Day, the community will honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that provide essential services to county residents.”
Award winners were:
Outstanding Business Philanthropist — Woodruff Construction
Outstanding Group Philanthropist — Ames Noon Kiwanis Club
Outstanding Philanthropists — Al and Karen Hermanson
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser — Dr. Jon Fleming
Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy — Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club
Each honoree received a unique award created by artist Ruben Ruiz from Deer Creek Ceramics in Huxley. He wheel throws most of his artwork, then alters it by adding texture and sculptural details.
Awards were presented by Sarah Buck, who, along with her husband, Ben Buck, received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award in 2021.
Woodruff Construction receives Outstanding Business Philanthropist award
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County nominated Woodruff Construction. The nonprofit organization said Woodruff Construction seeks out projects that serve local communities and align with their company values.
“If Woodruff Construction has a presence in a community, you can be sure that they are looking for ways to give back and make an impact,” SCAP said. “Story County has benefitted many times over from Woodruff’s commitment to in-kind donations, volunteerism, and significant financial contributions.”
Along with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Woodruff is a major supporter of YSS, which provides Iowa youth with emergency shelter, crisis stabilization and residential treatment of substance abuse, and The Bridge Home, an organization in Ames that provides housing options for people on the verge of homelessness.
“Woodruff has provided sponsorship dollars, hours of volunteer service, playground equipment installation, construction labor, renovation materials, and board leadership,” SCAP wrote. “They truly lead by example, offering generosity and opportunities for communities to grow and thrive.”
Ames Noon Kiwanis Club receives Outstanding Group Philanthropist award
The Ames Noon Kiwanis Club has been serving its community for 98 years. Community volunteer Geri Derner nominated the club.
“The desire of their club is to embody the definition of philanthropy: to promote the welfare of others,” SCAP wrote. “The Ames Noon Kiwanis Club has faced many challenges in its 98-year history, including the recent global pandemic.
"When challenging times arise, the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club adapts and continues their work of connecting youth and service organizations to resources and opportunities that improve lives and strengthens communities.”
The club raises money through creative fundraisers, such as its annual holiday gift wrap event and its pancake breakfast. The club uses the funds it raises to support organizations like Ames Children’s Choirs, Story Theater Company and local Girl Scout troops.
Al and Karen Hermanson receive Outstanding Philanthropists award
Nominated by the Ames Rotary Club, Al and Karen Hermanson of Story City have been “quiet philanthropists for decades, faithfully giving their time and resources to improve the quality of life in Story County,” according to SCAP.
The Hermansons have made significant contributions to dozens of Story County nonprofit organizations, including Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City, Riverside Bible Camp, Lutheran Services in Iowa and Ames Morning Rotary.
Each year, the Hermansons support promising new entrepreneurs in various agriculture fields with a scholarship they established at Iowa State. In 2015, they created the Hermanson Charitable Donor Advised Fund at the Story County Community Foundation, which has since impacted 75 organizations.
“The Hermansons not only provide financial support to many organizations, civic projects, programs and events, they roll up their sleeves and get to work whenever a need arises. They often lead the charge, offering their commitment, expertise, encouragement and friendship because they believe strongly in their community and want to invest in its future,” SCAP wrote. “As visionaries, they serve on various boards, councils and committees and take their roles very seriously.”
Dr. Jon Fleming receives Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
A gastroenterologist at McFarland Clinic and Mary Greeley Medical Center from 1986 until his retirement in 2012, Dr. Jon Fleming is known for being a doer. The ISU Foundation and Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation nominated him for the award.
“He is well-known in the community for the high level of energy he brings to every role he serves and he is willing to help in any way necessary to ensure the success of the projects and programs he believes in,” SCAP wrote. “He has a talent and passion for helping organizations raise funds and has been quoted as saying he ‘likes to ask people for money’ for good causes.”
In 2011, Fleming became co-chair of the Mary Greeley Foundation’s Extraordinary Visions campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in the medical center’s history. He also helped the Ames Public Library with its fundraising campaign.
Most recently, Fleming served as campaign chair of the Forever True, For Iowa State nine-year campaign, helping that entity exceed its $1.5 billion goal.
“As a good fundraiser, Jon is among the first to contribute personally to causes he cares about. He has served on several nonprofit boards and received many awards and recognitions,” SCAP wrote. “Jon Fleming is a beloved physician, volunteer, fundraiser, ISU alumnus and friend to all who know him. He has created an inspirational legacy that others strive to live up to.”
Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club receives Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy
Nominated by Ames Town & Country Kiwanis, the AMS Kiwanis Builders Club was the youngest group recognized on Story County Philanthropy Day.
When the group met in the fall of 2021 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the sixth- and seventh-grade students brainstormed plans for the year. Under the leadership of faculty advisor Erin Bettazza, the group determined its interests were literacy, mental health, environment, hunger and homelessness.
The Builders Club partnered with Raising Readers in Story County for a book drive. The club also assisted with the school district’s clothing drive, made cards and posters for veterans, and helped with the United Way’s annual food drive.
Working with the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis, the Builders Club received a grant to plant trees in conjunction with Ames Park and Recreation.
“The many projects completed by the Club required leadership, creativity and organizational skills. As the year progressed, their projects grew larger and more complicated as the Club increased their skills,” SCAP wrote. “Their Earth Day/Arbor Day project required research to find funding, a plan for the grant required education, collaborating with other community groups, finding resources and learning about tree planting. These many service projects demonstrate the warm, caring hearts and leadership of this small but mighty group of young citizens.”
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. You can reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Five philanthropy awards given to Ames-area volunteers, organizations
