The Brandywine Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals has announced the winners of the 2008 Philanthropy Day Awards to be presented on Nov. 13. Among those being recognized are Betty Garrett of Chadds Ford and Christopher Grundner of Landenberg.
Garrett is being recognized for her volunteer activities for organizations dedicated to helping victims of violence. Alarmed by the number of girls and women who are victims of violence each year, Garrett decided to increase awareness about the problem by gathering a group of women to stage a production of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," during the 10-year anniversary of the play. Interest in the production grew so much that the evening production at the Delaware Theatre Company sold out three weeks in advance and a matinee was added. Proceeds from the production benefited Contact Lifeline, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Planned Parenthood of Delaware and YWCA Delaware.
Grundner is receiving a New Face in Philanthropy Award for his work as founder and executive director of the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation. After his wife, Kelly, died of a brain tumor at the age of 31, Grundner left his six figure position at JPMorgan Chase to start the foundation to increase awareness and educate the public about brain tumors, as well as, help patients and families who are battling a brain tumor. In three years, Grundner has garnered support from more than 2,500 individuals, as well as major foundations and corporations. The first Get Your Head in the Game Brain Tumor Awareness Walk held this past spring raised more than $220,000 from more than 2,000 walkers.
