Butler County celebrates those who make community better place to live

The Butler County Development Roundtable professional fundraising organization is joining forces with the five community foundations of Butler County to host the 7th bi-annual Butler County National Philanthropy Day.

The Hamilton Community Foundation, Fairfield Community Foundation, Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty, Middletown Community Foundation and Oxford Community Foundation have joined forces to honor those who have given to area nonprofits.

The BCDR is a collaborative of area fundraising professionals who promote benevolent giving to nonprofit agencies. The group has been around for 16 years and has been offering quarterly networking and educational opportunities to Butler County and surrounding area professionals.

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The first National Philanthropy Day luncheon honoring local nonprofits locally was in 2006 and recognized 25 area supporters. This year marks the 31st anniversary of National Philanthropy Day in the United States.

“This year we have more than 200 attendees that include honorees,” Betsy Wilson, of Community First Solutions, said. “In 2007, the BCDR organizers established a Giving Circle Endowment to honor area Butler County philanthropists. This Endowment is held at the Hamilton Community Foundation.”

She added that the first-ever Giving Circle grant will be awarded to a local nonprofit at the luncheon.

“This luncheon will provide an excellent opportunity for area nonprofits to publicly recognize those individuals who helped them achieve their financial goals that provide the services so vital to our area communities,” Wilson said.

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Miami University President Dr. Gregory Crawford is the keynote speaker for the event. He and his wife, Dr. Renate Crawford, have bicycled across the country to raise awareness and funds for research on Niemann-Pick Type C Disease, a rare and deadly neurodegenerative disease.

He has completed five “Road to Discovery” rides, expanding fundraising to include other illnesses being studied. His efforts have raised about $2 million for research and clinical trials.

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HOW TO GO

WHAT: 7th bi-annual Butler County National Philanthropy Day

WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17

WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton, 1 S. Front St.

COST: $35 per person. Register online by clicking here

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