Fundraisers do good work

The Association of Fundraising Professionals First Virginia Chapter in cooperation with the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia has honored the following with National Philanthropy Day Awards:

Outstanding Philanthropic Organization: West End Center for Youth (Karen Pillis, Executive Director)

Outstanding Fundraising Executive: Katherine (Kay) Strickland

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Rob Cassell

West End Center for Youth was founded in 1979 and serves more than 150 children and their families each year who live in Roanoke’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. The goal of the program is to equip children with the developmental assets they need to become productive, responsible adults. To accomplish this goal, West End Center offers a comprehensive educational program in afterschool and summer programs. Priorities for learning center on academic enrichment, social skills development, and wellness. During the pandemic, the staff pivoted to meet the needs of students and families by offering daily meals to ensure proper nutrition and serving as a daytime satellite location for Roanoke City Schools to ensure children had the resources and supervision needed to be successful in a virtual learning environment while families could continue to work.

Katherine F. (Kay) Strickland is the Chief Development Officer for Carilion Clinic and the Carilion Clinic Foundation. Since joining Carilion 11 years ago, her focus has been to establish a philanthropic program for the Clinic which is headquartered in Roanoke. The Carilion Foundation is currently engaged in its first capital campaign to raise $100M to transform cancer care and build a new cancer center for our region.

Ms. Strickland has also served as: Executive Director of the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation and External Relations; Senior Director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving for Hollins University; and the Executive Director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation. She has served on numerous national, state, and local boards including the national Council for Resource Development, Virginia Association of Museums, the Commonwealth Council, the Committee to Advance the TransDominion Express, the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Oliver White Hill Foundation, Family Service of Roanoke Valley, and Richfield Living. She is a beloved mentor to dozens of fundraisers who have gone on to successful careers throughout the field.

Rob Cassell has been a passionate supporter of the YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge (YMCA) since 1996. He has served as Treasurer and Chairman of the Corporate Board of Directors, chaired the annual fundraising campaign, and worked on various capital campaigns. Over the past four years, the YMCA has seen double-digit, record-breaking growth in fundraising. Rob has been instrumental in that achievement by making personal asks and serving as an ambassador for the organization.

Mr. Cassell began his career with an accounting degree from Virginia Tech in 1980. As a Certified Public Accountant, he worked in management accounting positions and retired as Vice President and General Manager of Graham White Manufacturing in Salem. Rob's community service includes more than 30 years as Treasurer for First Church of the Brethren and volunteering and serving on the board of directors for the Salem/Roanoke County Food Pantry. He attained the Rule of 85, a designation of senior active status, and became a Paul Harris Fellow in the Salem Rotary Club.