BOARDMAN, Ohio - The president and CEO of Windsor House Inc. credited his parents with instilling in him and his siblings that "a sense of responsibility came with the business they built and a sense of duty to the community in which they built it."
Attorney John J. Masternick, named this year's Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning-Shenango Chapter, was among the individuals, businesses and organizations recognized in six categories Friday at the organization's annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon.
For the past 34 years, the AFP chapter "has honored those who have generously given to their community, those who have lifted up those in need and those who have found value and meaning in enriching the quality of life of others," said Paige Fortner, who co-chaired the event along with JoAnn Stock.
"It's about all of us working together, doing what we can to give back and to thank our community. That's why we celebrate National Philanthropy Day," Stock said.
"We are truly fortunate to have so many in our valleys who wish to give back and do good," Fortner said.
The "micro stories" being shared at the luncheon were "little stories that don't always get told," said Stan Boney, WKBN-TV anchor and master of ceremonies for the event.
Masternick said he was accepting the award on behalf of his late parents, John and Dorothy Mastrenick, because he had "done nothing to merit this honor" other than "continue what they put in place."
He also said he was "shocked" to be honored because, as a nursing home operator, he had never had a more difficult four years - two years fighting for the lives of Windsor House's patients and the next two fighting for its financial life. "After 64 years of business, I wasn't sure we'd see the 65. I'm very grateful for my team of co-workers that helped us turn it around," he said.
Another local businessman, Humtown CEO Mark Lamoncha, accepted the Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist award on behalf of his company.
"When you understand that you have the full value of who you are inside of yourself that you can pour out in other people - this is when I started to learn about what philanthropy really means," Lamoncha reflected.
People can contribute money, time and talent and might have a lot of one and not the other. "Businesses don't always have a great year every year but, you know, your time and your talent may be there when your money's not," he added.
Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, president of Marquee Creatives and this year's Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, was recognized for her efforts with several area organizations, including Polish Youngstown, Simply Slavic, Youngstown Press Club and Rotary Club of Youngstown.
It was her time working for the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley that changed her heart, when she encountered families who had a member with autism, the mother of five acknowledged.
"My husband and I thought we had it challenging until I took that position and we met the families associated with ASMV," she said. "Activities we took for granted, and often bemoaned, everything from school drop off and after-school lessons and expensive trips to the mall and amusement parks were things these families could not do, and if they did, it was an extreme challenge. So it was really a wake-up call that changed my perspective on my family and my life."
Others recognized at the event include Harper, Palmer, Landry & Owen's Lemonade Stand, Outstanding Youth Fundraisers; Man Up Mahoning Valley, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group; and the late Ruth Ellen Kyle, Legacy Award.
The lemonade stand, which is now in its 10 year, has raised more than $40,000 for various causes since its inception, said Harper Marlowe, who started it with her grandmother and now runs it with her sister and two cousins. Beneficiaries have included animal-related causes and organizations such as Friends of Fido and Project MKC, as well as individuals in need.
"I love to look up from the register and see new and familiar people who come every year to help look to help out a new cause," she said. "People show up to raise money for a person or organization that they don't even know, and it gives me a hint that there's purity and kindness in the world."
Since Man Up Mahoning Valley's inception in 2010, approximately 2,000 men have had screenings for prostate cancer, and the Mahoning Valley has a higher rate of prostate cancer than the state average, Boney said.
"It is 99% curable when caught early. However, when caught in the late stages, it's lethal," said Laura Boomhower, a community health educator with Mercy Health and community outreach liaison for Man Up Mahoning Valley.
"Our main goal is the awareness," said Steve Burbrick, a member of the group's committee, a support group facilitator and a two-time prostate cancer survivor. "Sometimes guys just don't want to do the doctor thing, you know, but it's important because it's for your family. It's for your kids and your grandkids."
The Kyle Family Charitable Fund, valued at $1.6 million, has benefited Easterseals of Northeast Ohio, Tod Children's Hospital and Park Vista Retirement Community.
"Ruth left a legacy for our community and inspired others through her actions," Boney said. Dan Yargo, chaplain at Ohio Living, accepted the Legacy Award on behalf of Kyle.
Pictured at top: From left are Paige Fortner, John Masternick and JoAnn Stock.
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