Spectrum Health Foundation President honored at Annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 15, 2018 – The Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter (AFPWM) has named Vicki Weaver as the recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional at the 32nd annual National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) luncheon on Nov. 15.

“Vicki has made it her life’s work to support our community through philanthropic donations,” said Tina Freese Decker, President & CEO, Spectrum Health. “Vicki has committed her career to connecting people with the opportunity to make a difference with their passion. She epitomizes the concept of servant leadership each day as she leads the Spectrum Health Foundation and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation, and impacts the lives of our patients and their families.”

In 1992, Weaver joined Spectrum Health as Executive Director of the Butterworth and Blodgett Hospital Foundation. After nearly 26 years, more than 350,000 gifts and $457 million, Weaver has developed the organization’s foundation into one of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s Top Performers. Her hard work and dedication to the mission of Spectrum Health, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, have resulted in successful growth of the Medical Mile as well and the creation and sustainability of hundreds of programs across the region.

Philanthropy has played a vital role in the growth of Spectrum Health. For the first 17 years, much of the focus was on capital growth including the Renucci Hospitality House, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, as well as continued fundraising for program support. Following the campaign for Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in 2010, the focus turned primarily to programmatic needs including increased number of fellowships, endowed positions and research. Weaver’s philosophy of being donor-centered, providing strong stewardship and building relationships has guided the Foundation for consistent success.

Each year, the West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honors the committed, passionate individuals and corporations who work on behalf of the nonprofit organizations that AFP West Michigan serves. The annual Awards Luncheon program recognizes the outstanding achievements of these individuals, foundations and corporate philanthropists, fundraising volunteers, and fundraising executives.

This AFP West Michigan Chapter Benjamin Franklin Award was presented at an awards luncheon on National Philanthropy Day, November 15, 2018, at the JW Marriott.

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The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 30,000 members in 233 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. Locally, AFP West Michigan is comprised of more than 240 members. The chapter area is comprised of the entire western half of the state, which includes southern counties near the Indiana border to as far north as Mackinaw City, from just west of Lansing to the beaches of Lake Michigan, and every corner in between.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

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