Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) November 15, 2013 -- On National Philanthropy Day, DonorDrive Social Fundraising Software is honoring Dr. Jason Aldred, Director of the Gundersen Health Systems Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center. National Philanthropy Day® honors those in philanthropy who are truly making a difference in the world. DonorDrive Social Fundraising asked the many nonprofits using their software who they thought should be honored on this day and the response was overwhelming with many deserving individuals nominated.
Dr. Aldred is Director of the Gundersen Health Systems Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center. In addition to his research and innovative treatment, he spends a great deal of time educating others about the disease. Dr. Aldred conducts full-day clinics around Wisconsin, is the driving force and a featured speaker at the Center's annual Parkinson's Education Symposium and this year added a Young Onset Parkinson's Program to better serve the needs of those patients. He also created an annual "Polka for Parkinson's" fundraiser locally to help with research, education and awareness.
Dr. Aldred was nominated by Nurse Specialist Karen McDonough of the Center. "I'm so excited you chose Dr. Aldred for this award. He's been at the Center for four years and has already put us on the map for excellence in Parkinson's care. I've worked with Parkinson's patients for almost 30 years and have learned more from Dr. Aldred in four years than in all the rest of my time in nursing."
There were so many deserving individuals that DonorDrive is giving 13 honorable mentions to nominees based on the impact they're having on their causes:
Michelle Doerr: Board of Directors/Treasurer, Irish Pub Children's Foundation—Michelle started as a volunteer at Irish Pub's Tour De Shore Ride 17 years ago and has helped the ride grow to raise $621,000 this year to aid children in the Philadelphia area.
Nessa Weinman: Director, APDA Greater Los Angeles Chapter—Nessa is the wife of a Parkinson's patient and has increased the revenue for their walk by 400%.
Steven Czabaniuk: Operations Director, Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan—In his role for four years, he coded a program for organizing the placement of 800 dancers during this nonstop, 30-hour-long event. DMUM raises over $500,000 annually for sick kids.
Holly Chaimov: Chief Executive Officer, Parkinson's Resources of Oregon—Holly has guided exponential growth of PRO during her 14 years there.
Donna Stahlhut: Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Texas—Donna founded ETFX 30 years ago as the mother of a child with Epilepsy. She continues to guide its success today.
Kay Johnson: Director/Board of Directors, Minnesota APDA—Kay lives with Parkinson's herself and works constantly to raise awareness, as well as advise other Parkinson's patients. She also serves as Silent Auction chair for their Optimism Walk.
Tony Volante: Board Member, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme—Tony has been a tireless volunteer and advocate for 20 years. His work has personally touched the lives of so many youth in the area.
John Krumbholz: President, APDA Iowa Chapter—John lives with Parkinson's and has devoted his life to awareness and education through his visits and support group participation across Iowa.
Mary Ellen Thibodeau: Rhode Island Coordinator, APDA—For 10 years Mary Ellen has made it a personal mission to positively impact the lives of Parkinson's patients and their families. She also founded their "Race, Walk and Roll" event.
Suzanne Cameron: Board Member Emeritus/Fundraising Chair, APDA Washington Chapter—Suzanne's husband lives with Parkinson's and for 14 years she has advocated through her roles as board member, president and constant volunteer.
Samantha Adler: Development Administrator, Paws With a Cause—In addition to being the hub of their development team, Sam created their dynamic social media strategy, as well as coordinated Personal Campaigns to help those in need get assistance dogs. With her guidance, these personal fundraisers are expected to exceed $150,000 in 2014.
Shelly Sichta: National Events Coordinator, Best Friends Animal Society—Shelly amazingly coordinates the more than 150 partner rescues that use Strut Your Mutt Walks to raise over $1 million annually in local funds.
Phil Ferris: Trainer, Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers—Phil travels all over the US to personally work with service dogs that are improving the lives of over 200 individuals.
DonorDrive thanks those who took the time to nominate these amazing individuals. And thanks to all who give their time, their energy, their contributions and have dedicated their lives to helping others. Happy National Philanthropy Day.
Karin Neri, Global Cloud makers of DonorDrive, http://donordrive.com, 866-244-0450 Ext: 1025, [email protected]
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