(Left to right): Susanna Popescu ’19, Gregory Paparizos ’19, Assistant Principal of Young Women
Mrs. Elizabeth Oles Smith, Principal Mr. David Stec ’86, Liam Bandura ’19 and Anastasia Zhydan ’19.
Padua Franciscan High School students were honored with the prestigious AFP Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award presented at the Greater Cleveland National Philanthropy Day, November 2, 2018 at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. This was the 34th annual celebration of philanthropy in Cleveland, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The award is given to young people who are making a difference in the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.
Padua students were recognized for their outstanding support to the community through Christmas for Others (CFO). Every Christmas, the students at Padua, under the direction of Key Club, join together to raise money, collect toys, books and food in order to bring a joyful holiday season to those in need. This 46-year tradition is the largest student-run fundraising effort in Northeast Ohio. Since its inception, Padua has raised more than $500,000 for non-profits and families in need.
“What Christmas For Others does is, it changes minds and hearts,” said Principal David Stec ’86. “We become thankful, because we become so aware of what we do have. And we give back, because we know we are blessed.”
The Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrated the Giving Hearts of Northeast Ohio with honors in six categories presented in front of an audience of more than 500 Cleveland philanthropists, non-profit organizations, guests and other award recipients. Padua was honored, along with Dr. Alfred F. Connors, Jr., & Dr. Mildred Lam, MetroHealth System, outstanding philanthropists; Arcelor Mittal, corporate leadership; The Abington Foundation, foundation leadership; James Cahoon, MetroHealth Foundation outstanding fundraising volunteer; and Bruce Loessin, Case Western Reserve University outstanding fundraising professional.
VIDEO: Click here to watch the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award clip.
Click here to read the cleveland.com story.
