www.Biz2BizNWA.com 27
Personal Stories Inspire Personal,
Business Giving
By Jamie Smith
“In life it’s important to give back and time to agencies and foundations
no matter who you are or where you involving both areas, as well as many
work,” she says. “I try to give where I other volunteer efforts.
can, when I can.”
Building a heritage for
Marching to a generous tune
helping others
When you hear the marching band
The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of
at University of Arkansas, you hear the
the Association of Fundraising Profes-
results of hours of training and prac-
sionals (AFP) recently honored these
tice. What you may not realize, is that
and five other members of the commu-
a man who was unable to play in the
nity during National Philanthropy Day®.
band because of illness continues to
This special event is set aside through-
be a driving force behind the program.
out the world on November 15 to honor
Polio forced Lewis E. Epley, Jr. to
and acknowledge the “entire spectrum
miss part of his senior year of high
of services provided by the nonprofit
school. He attributes much of his suc-
community and recognize the profound
cessful recovery to a physical therapist
impact philanthropy has on the fabric of
who gave him a “talking to” when he
society.”
developed a bad attitude.
This year more than 100 communi-
“She told me that if I wasn’t willing
ties throughout North America par-
to work, then I should just go home,”
ticipated in the event. In Northwest
Epley remembers. “I’ve been eternally
Arkansas, the ceremony was held
grateful she cared enough to do that.”
November 18 at John Q. Hammons
Epley says he was devastated when
Center in Rogers.
polio left him unable to play clarinet in
Jill Wagar, president elect of the local
the U of A marching band—his dream
Association of Fundraising Profession-
since 9th grade. But the band director
als chapter (AFP), says the Judges’
added him as a non-playing member,
Special Award has only been given
and in that role he helped the “March-
one other time—to Frank Broyles
ing 100” be a success.
in 2006—and is given when judges
“The band members embraced me
believe a nominee deserves special
and made me feel like a member,” he
recognition.
says.
“People are recognizing philan-
It’s because of these experiences
thropy and the difference it is making in
that medical charities and the U of A
our community, and they are eager to
band program continue to be close to
celebrate that difference,” Wagar says.
his heart. Epley has donated money
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