Eastern Iowa organization honoring area philanthropists

CEDAR RAPIDS - Lisa McGrath says without service and giving, a town can never be considered a community.

'The community is a lot different from a city or a town. People make a community,” she said.

Throughout her life, McGrath has worked to make Cedar Rapids a community by serving with organizations such as Tanager Place, St. Vincent de Paul and Theatre Cedar Rapids.

For her work, McGrath is to receive the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award this month from the Association of Fundraising Professionals East Iowa Chapter, an international organization whose members work to advance philanthropy.

She is among seven individuals and organizations being honored at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Cedar Rapids Marriott, 1200 Collins Road NE. Those interested in attending the luncheon can register by Thursday at afpeasterniowa.org.

The Eastern Iowa Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals accepts nominations from area organizations or individuals for the awards that have existed since 1987, said Jenifer Vick, vice president of the chapter, and this year's Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award recipient.

Vick said those selected have a 'proven record of generosity, demonstrated through charitable actions,” and willingness to take on leadership roles.

'They're really out there going above and beyond,” she said.

Also set to be honored during the luncheon is David C. Neuhaus, 86, president and CEO of Fairfax State Savings Bank. He is to receive the Ben Franklin Award, given to those 'whose commitment to philanthropy is demonstrably profound.”

Neuhaus has served numerous organizations, including the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and the Mercy Medical Center Foundation.

He said community service is not always about putting a dollar sign on a service, but rather, how you treat other people.

McGrath, 58, of Cedar Rapids, has served on the board of directors for Tanager Place Mental Health Clinic - which helps children ages 18 and younger with various mental health issues - for 28 years. She was president from 1995 to 1997.

Currently, she serves as the co-chairwoman for the organization's $6.5 million capital campaign launched in February, which is now about $200,000 from reaching its goal, McGrath said.

McGrath's resume doesn't end there: she also served on the Theatre Cedar Rapids board of directors for two terms. She was president from 1999 to 2001.

She said she made a point to see the other side of the theater workings by auditioning for a production of 'Cinderella.”

'I like to think I was the lead peasant,” McGrath joked.

Almost three years ago, McGrath became involved in the Cedar Rapids Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization that offers services to those in need, such as inexpensive goods at the thrift store, or financial assistance for rent or utility bills.

McGrath is a weekly home visitor for the organization, a position that requires her to visit homes and evaluate families' needs and identify resources available to them.

Commitment to service is a quality she said she learned from her father, David Linge.

'He was really instrumental in supporting all sorts of entities that made for a stronger community,” she said, listing her father's effort in improving the school systems, Cedar Rapids hospitals and the arts.

While it's nice to be recognized, McGrath said she wasn't expecting it.

'There are so many people in this town who do so much more than I do,” she said. 'There are so many people in this town who do such incredible giving of themselves, their time, their money, their expertise. We're just so blessed as a community.”

If you go

l What: Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern Iowa Chapter's 2016 National Philanthropy Day Awards

l When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15

l Where: Cedar Rapids Marriott, 1200 Collins Road NE

l Cost: $45 per person, $315 for a table of eight

l Registration: Register by Thursday, Nov. 10, at afpeasterniowa.org