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.