Roosevelt Student Artwork Serves as Awards for Top Philanthrophists
For the past dozen years, specially commissioned artwork created by students of Roosevelt teacher Sam Chiodo were presented to central Iowa’s top philanthropists in recognition of their work on behalf of the community.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) held its 28th annual Philanthropy Day luncheon today at the downtown Marriott Hotel and for the 12th consecutive year students from DMPS played a central role in the event.
AFP recognized five philanthropic community leaders and each of them was presented with a custom-designed award created by students in one of Roosevelt High School art teacher Sam Chiodo’s Advanced Placement art classes.
“Students read the nomination papers and research the individual or organization to help formulate ideas for their art work,” Chiodo said. “While they research, they get a firsthand look at the generosity and commitment that’s at work in their community. And it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to be recognized as artists.”
This year Chiodo selected the following students – make that artists – to design the awards: Melissa Laure, Rachel Schneider, Keegan Walpole, Julia Nguyen and Lucia Ruppert. All four of them are juniors.
Their creations were awarded to the following individuals/organizations as chosen by the AFP:
- The Graham Group, Inc., Outstanding Corporate/Foundation
- Fred and Charlotte Hubbell, Outstanding Individual Philanthropists
- Richard “Rich” Willis, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
- The O’Donnell Family, Spirit of Philanthropy
- Maria Lind, Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Even if they’d rather their work just spoke for itself, each of the emerging artists got the chance to speak at the luncheon and explain the inspiration behind their piece. After all, their commissions really were the awards within the awards. At some point, if you’ve seen one plaque/trophy/certificate you’ve essentially seen ‘em all. But every laurel and kudo that AFP confers is truly unlike any other, courtesy of the philanthropic artist colony at Roosevelt.
