Join us on Thursday, November 19, 2026 to celebrate those who make a
difference in our community.
Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now! - $45
Regular Tickets October 20th - $65
National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to recognize the contributions of those active in the philanthropic community and whose generosity and commitment are making a meaningful difference in our community.
It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate and spotlight inspiring leaders who contribute to the impact of non-profit organizations across Southeastern Wisconsin.
Join us for a night of mingling and celebration, featuring a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Ways to participate in the National Philanthropy Day
Award categories include:
- Philanthropist of the Year
- Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Philanthropic Youth of Today
- IDEA Champion of the Year
- Fundraising Professional of the Year
National Philanthropy Day 2026 Nominations Are Now Closed.
Six Award categories include:
- Philanthropist of the Year
- Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award
- Volunteer of the Year
- Philanthropic Youth of Today
- IDEA Champion of the Year
- Fundraising Professional of the Year
The Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of AFP is honored to recognize the recipients of the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards.
Dave & Barri Drury
Philanthropist of the Year
Nominated by Children’s WI Foundation
Barri and Dave Drury are visionary philanthropists, community leaders, and lifelong advocates for the health and well-being of kids in Wisconsin and beyond. For decades, they have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to strengthening pediatric health care, advancing medical research, and inspiring a culture of generosity throughout the state.
Zilber Family Foundation
Wisconsin Organization Philanthropy Award
Nominated by United Community Center
Established in 1961 by Joseph J. and Vera Zilber, the Zilber Family Foundation is a private grantmaking institution dedicated to increasing access to social and economic opportunity. Rooted in the Zilber family’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the communities they called home, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and community partners in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Oahu, Hawaii.
Christine Both
Volunteer of the Year
Nominated by Lake Area Free Clinic
Christine Both is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and has dedicated her career to making a difference through healthcare. After retirement, she served as a volunteer for the Lake Area Free Clinic in Oconomowoc, raising funds and promoting the clinic through creative events. She has been instrumental in building funds to develop Oconomowoc Park, working with the community to raise essential funds within six months. Through her work, a once-in-a-lifetime park was created on two lakefront lots, helping to make Oconomowoc a more vibrant place to live.
Beau Cerniglia
Philanthropic Youth of Today
Nominated by Pathfinders
Beau Cerniglia is a powerful example of what youth-led philanthropy can achieve. Passionate about supporting unhoused young people, Beau hosts an annual birthday fundraiser for Pathfinders, asking loved ones for donations in lieu of gifts. In Beau’s own words, “Young people need to lead by example and show others in the community how much good can come from helping others.”
Ray Hill
IDEA Champion of the Year
Nominated by AFP Southeastern WI
Raynetta “Ray” Hill is a leader in economic development and commercial corridor revitalization. As Executive Director of Milwaukee’s Historic King Drive Business Improvement District No. 8, she leads strategy and implementation for a district supporting hundreds of businesses along one of the city’s most culturally significant corridors. Under Ray’s leadership, the BID has delivered more than $1.4 million in streetscape and infrastructure improvements and partnered with the City of Milwaukee to implement the Bronzeville Zoning Overlay.
Julie Cordero
Fundraising Professional of the Year
Nominated by Education Foundation of New Berlin
Julie Cordero is a nonprofit fundraising professional and community leader who believes philanthropy is most powerful when people come together around a shared purpose. Her path to fundraising was anything but traditional. Since 2021, Julie has served as Director of the Education Foundation of New Berlin (EFNB). During that time, she has helped build a culture of philanthropy that has generated nearly $1.8 million in support for students, educators, and schools.
Sponsors make National Philanthropy Day® possible and take its mission to heart. They exemplify philanthropy and send a message about the importance of work that challenges the world to become a better place.
NPD is a wonderful opportunity to gain exposure and support the incredible difference philanthropy makes in our community. Your sponsorship gives your organization prominent exposure to an audience of nonprofit, business, and philanthropic leaders and helps the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals salute and recognize the great impact of donors, volunteers, and fund development professionals.
Additionally, by sponsoring today, you will demonstrate a commitment to investing in your community through philanthropy and volunteerism. Proceeds from this event help our chapter develop ethical, professional fundraisers and inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Sponsor Today!
Contact Kari Walton, AFPSEWI Chapter Administrator, for questions about sponsoring National Philanthropy Day 2026.
AFP-Southeastern Wisconsin is pleased to offer the following meaningful sponsorship opportunities.
Visionary Sponsor $3500
- Recognition as a Visionary Sponsor + full page ad in the event’s digital program
- Logo featured prominently on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- Opportunity to include logo + ad in AFP’s member email newsletter (over 1,900 recipients)
- Ability to leave branded promotional pieces for event attendees
- Exclusive invite to Cocktail Hour with Awardees & Nominators in October
- 1 reserved VIP table (front & center, 8 guests, includes event tickets)
Steward Sponsor $2500
- Recognition as a Steward Sponsor + half page ad in the event’s digital program
- Logo featured on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- Opportunity to include logo in AFP’s member email newsletter (over 1,900 recipients)
- 1 reserved VIP table (front & center, 8 guests, includes event tickets)
Champion Sponsor $1000
- Recognition as a Champion Sponsor in the event’s digital program
- Name listed on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- 1 reserved table (8 guests, includes event tickets)
Friend of Fundraising $500
- Recognition as a Friend of Fundraising in the event’s digital program
- Name listed on AFP’s website and social media platforms
- 1 reserved half table (4 guests, includes event tickets)
In honor of National Philanthropy Day every year, Partners in Philanthropy (PIP) is a unique opportunity for AFP members to celebrate two donors and volunteers that have made a difference to their organization and to the greater community.
Recognize a Partner in Philanthropy Today!
Recognition requests are due November 6th.
We are pleased to recognize the following 2025 Partners in Philanthropy.
- Laura & Mike Arnow
- Edie Brengel
- Sandy Czosnek
- Habush Habush & Rottier S.C.
- Nicole & Jim Hermann
- Landmark Credit Union
- Gillian Lester-George de Montesinos
- Gerry & Elaine Mainman
- Mullins Family Foundation
- Thomas Nebel
- Irene Nerenhausen
- Beth Odian
- ORBIS Corporation
- Reyes Coca Cola Bottling
- Nancy Wilke
- Yellow Whistles for Greg
Join us on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum to celebrate the people and organizations that take action to serve our neighbors and improve our community.
On National Philanthropy Day (NPD), we celebrate the extraordinary change that fundraising and philanthropy have helped to create in our world! Join us to honor Southeastern Wisconsin’s most exemplary philanthropists, donors, volunteers, and fundraising professionals.
For the AFPSEWI chapter, National Philanthropy Day is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the impact of philanthropy in the world around us. It’s a day to honor those people active in the philanthropic community who have made our lives, our communities, and our world a better place.
Billions of dollars are given every year to just causes. Millions of programs and services are administered to those in need. Individuals are connected to cause and to each other. Civic participation and important societal bonds are created and strengthened through philanthropy as we work to improve the quality of life for all people.
In Southeastern Wisconsin the impact of philanthropy is beyond impressive. As fund development professionals, we have the unique opportunity to work with people and organizations that are responsible for impacting the missions we champion.
- Early Bird Tickets – Sept 1 to Oct 14, $45
- Regular Tickets – Oct 15 to Nov 6, $65
- Networking Hour – 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Awards Ceremony – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
