The West Michigan chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will celebrate philanthropy on Thursday, November 9 at Calvin College as part of a series of events around the country designed to recognize giving.

The West Michigan event comes six days ahead of , to be marked this year on November 15.

The West Michigan AFP chapter has planned a full day for the 8 am to 4:15 pm conference at Calvin. The celebration begins with opening plenary speaker William T. Sturtevant, the vice president for principal gifts at the University of Illinois Foundation, and ends with Penelope Burk, president of Cygnus Applied Research Inc. In between will be a noon awards banquet and a half dozen educational sessions.

Nearly 250 individuals are expected to attend the 19th annual AFP-West Michigan Chapter National Philanthropy Day event.

Calvin College development officer Nancy Westra is an NPD committee member and says the upcoming day of celebration will be a good opportunity for fundraising professionals to listen, learn and laugh.

"In West Michigan certainly we can celebrate the profound impact of philanthropy on the life of our community," she says. "But recognizing that there is still vital work to be done, this event also provides opportunities to sharpen our professional skills, to encourage, support and motivate each another, and to recognize the inspirational philanthropic commitments of members of the West Michigan community."

To be honored on November 9 are: Bernard S. Palchick, Benjamin Franklin Award, Kalamazoo; Fred P. Keller, Executive Leader Award, Grand Rapids; Frey Foundation, Exemplary Grantor Award, Grand Rapids; Louise M. Fabeck, Outstanding Volunteer Award, Grand Rapids; Kate Pew Wolters, President's Award, Grand Rapids; Joseph A. Medcalf, Youth in Philanthropy Award, Grand Rapids.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals represents more than 26,000 fundraisers in 172 chapters in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. West Michigan chapter represents 200 charitable fundraisers.