Fundraising professionals to honor Waunch, others

The Santa Barbara/Ventura chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals announced the 2007 award winners for philanthropy, volunteerism and professional fundraising. The winners will be honored at the annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Wed., Nov. 15 at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.

Award recipients are Gloria Friedrich Reed, Philanthropist of the Year, Ventura County; Jean and Barry Schuyler, Philanthropists of the Year, Santa Barbara County; Katie Waunch, Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County; former mayor Harriet Miller, Volunteer of the Year, Santa Barbara County; and Edward N. Lewis, CFRE, Professional Fundraiser of the Year.

Reed, along with the Joseph I. Friedrich Foundation, has been a long-time philanthropic leader in Ventura County, making contributions to improve the lives of the underserved, the elderly and children.

The Schuylers are supporters of several Santa Barbara causes and have served on the boards of many nonprofits.

The volunteer efforts of Waunch, a Camarillo resident, extend throughout south Ventura County, and she has served on committees at St. John's Healthcare Foundation to raise funds for its hospitals.

Miller recently guided a $50 million fundraising campaign for the Granada Restoration Project, and her other contributions benefit many Santa Barbara nonprofits.

Lewis is being recognized for his fundraising and marketing career, most recently as Vice President of Development for the Alliance of the Arts, the official fundraising arm of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

"We are so proud to honor these individuals and organizations who personify the true spirit of philanthropy by actively giving of their time and resources for the benefit of others," said Anne Kratz, AFP cochair for the event. "National Philanthropy Day is a fitting occasion to reflect on the gifts that caring people bring to our communities and the differences they make."

For more information or reservations, call Anne Dewey at (805) 9693767, ext. 105, or email andewey@lotusland.org.