The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Maryland Chapter, a leading advocate on fundraising and philanthropic issues in the Maryland community, today announced the recipients of its 2018 AFP Maryland awards. This year’s award recipients were honored at National Philanthropy Day held on November 14 at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel.

“It’s always difficult to select our annual AFP Maryland award winners because our state is a hotbed for charitable giving, which can be found among all generations,” said Gen Haines, director of major and lead gifts, Catholic Charities of Baltimore and AFP Maryland Board President. “We are honored to recognize self-less students, residents and foundations who are creating a better Maryland – congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.”

Award Recipients

Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year

George and Betsy Sherman were recognized for their work with the Sherman Family Foundation. George and Betsy have shared their belief in “the power of education to create better opportunities, better communities and stronger families.” Mr. and Mrs. Sherman support a wide variety of causes in Maryland, including The Family Tree, UMBC, Teach for America, the Center for Urban Families, the United Way, Baltimore Center Stage, Judith “Judy” Hoyer Early Child Care and Family Education Centers, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's OrchKids program, and Cristo Rey, McDonogh and Jemicy schools.

Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation of the Year

William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund was recognized for its dedication to supporting the vibrant arts and culture community in Baltimore City. The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund was established in 1964 by Mary Sawyers Baker in honor of her husband and civic leader, William G. Baker, Jr. Since 2009, the Baker Artist Portfolio has awarded nearly $1 million to individual metropolitan Baltimore artists and have supported organizations like the Creative Alliance, Center Stage of Baltimore and Maryland Citizens for the Arts, among others.

Community Impact Award

James “Winky” and Florine “Peaches” Camphor were recognized for their unwavering support of Coppin State University. They are committed to giving the gift of education to deserving youth in the Maryland area and specifically in Baltimore City.

Outstanding Youth Fundraiser Awards

• Love for Lungs/ Abigail Mackenzie Plylar (Worcester Preparatory High School, Salisbury)
• Arthritis Foundation/ Bede Marciari (Bryn Mawr Upper School, Baltimore)
• Baltimore Ceasefire/ Gracie Pendell Jones, Ruya Erickson, and Blake Fisher (Thomas Johnson Elementary School #84, Baltimore)

Unsung Heroes Awards

The Unsung Hero award honors those who enhance philanthropic support in the Maryland community but may not otherwise gain recognition. This year's honorees include:

• Michelle Green, BARCS
• Hunter McKissock, LifeBridge Health
• Dan Campbell, Mission of Mercy
• The Covenant Guild
• Paul and Vivian Schafer, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Medicine

Selection Criteria

The AFP Maryland award committee selects local philanthropists and programs that demonstrate their commitment to advancing the Maryland community through their quality of leadership, as well as their ability to support a non-profit or organization locally or nationally.

To learn more about AFP Maryland or to become a member, please visit www.afpmaryland.org.

About Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Maryland Chapter

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Maryland Chapter has nearly 400 members across the state and provides the professional and volunteer fundraising community opportunities for continuing education, professional development, certification and networking. National Philanthropy Day, a program of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, pays tribute to the invaluable contributions that philanthropy has made to our personal lives, our nation and the world. It acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the quality of our lives and the fabric of our society. AFP Maryland is a 501(c)(3) organization. To become a member of AFP, please visit www.afpmaryland.org.