DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 15, 2017) — The Central Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recently announced their 2017 Philanthropy Day award winners. Larry Stelter and Peggy Fisher were named the 2017 Outstanding Individual Philanthropists.

Stelter and Fisher own The Stelter Company, a family-owned and operated business located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Stelter Company is a leading source for planning giving marketing for the nonprofit community, partnering with over 1,500 organizations nationwide.

Stelter and Fisher were selected for the award based on four criteria:

1. Evidence of direct contribution/support to the community
2. Specific achievements and programs launched through their efforts
3. Encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy
4. Participation in and support of other nonprofit organizations

Stelter and Fisher regularly contribute to groups within the community emphasizing early childhood development and higher education, as well as to organizations benefiting children and families in need. In total, they made major contributions to more than 30 Iowa nonprofits in 2015 and 2016. While the missions of these organizations are diverse, their commonality is improvement in the lives of others. Stelter and Fisher’s support of these organizations validates their compassion and commitment to those who need it most in our community.

“We believe in giving as much as we are able and in teaching our children and grandchildren about the importance of philanthropy and doing volunteer work. And that’s what we’ve tried to do with our employees as well—teach them about philanthropy and be good examples—and we hope that they carry it on to their own families,” says Fisher.

Highlights of Stelter and Fisher’s philanthropic contributions include:

1. ChildServe: Stelter-Fisher Transitional Care Unit, Pediatric Imaging Center equipment, Outpatient Therapy expansion and Specialty Clinics, monitoring equipment in the Transitional Care Unit, Major Sponsor of Bubble Ball
2. Drake University: Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter Chair of Magazine Journalism, Drake Plaza, Quad Creek renovation, Burt Boys and Girls Club gymnasium to be built on Drake’s campus, women’s locker room in basketball practice facility
3. Animal Rescue League of Iowa: Fisher Stelter PURR Center (cat adoption room)
4. Scholarships: University of Iowa Presidential Scholarship, Paul J. Stelter Memorial Scholarship at the University of Iowa Business School, Iowa State University Veterinary Scholarship, Holy Family School Inner-City Annual Scholarships
5. Major donors to: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Orchard Place, Holy Family School, Des Moines Community Playhouse, Children and Families of Iowa

Stelter and Fisher will be recognized alongside other philanthropic community leaders on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at the 32nd Annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon held at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.

The Philanthropy Day Luncheon is held in conjunction with National Philanthropy Day®. National Philanthropy Day is celebrated each year on Nov. 15 to reflect on the meaning of giving and to recognize those active in the philanthropic community striving to enrich our world. Last year, more than 130 AFP chapters held events across North America.

About The Stelter Company

In business since 1962, The Stelter Company is the strategic partner nearly 1,500 nonprofits nationwide depend on most to provide expertise on cultivating valuable, long-term donor relationships through a unique combination of industry insight, customer focus and creative services. Our industry-leading print and digital solutions help nonprofits meet their planned giving goals and provide solutions to tackle the changing communication needs of their donor base. For more information, please visit www.stelter.com.
 

About AFP
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 26,000 fundraisers in 170 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. The central Iowa Chapter of AFP represents more than 150 charitable fundraisers in the central Iowa area. For more information on the Philanthropy Day Luncheon, please visit http://afpcentraliowa.afpnet.org.

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