YNPN Chicago Announces 2013 Nonprofit Award Winners

CHICAGO – Last week at the 2013 Annual Celebration, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago (YNPN Chicago) announced recipients of three awards: Nonprofit Professional, Mentor, and Associate Board of the year.  For the first time in YNPN Chicago history, YNPN Chicago awarded grantees with monetary, thanks to a leadership grant from the Chicago Community Trust.  Additionally, the Associate Board’s affiliated organization will receive fundraising consulting from a known Chicago fundraising expert - Deb Hass, of Serendipity Consulting.

The 2013 Nonprofit Professional of Year was Sherman Gant, a Chicago native who works for Chicago Public Schools, coaches basketball and track for TEAM Englewood, and operates his sports training organization.  He played football and completed his degree at North Park University, and even played professional football in the Arena League and overseas.  “I really just try to be a true role model for the students,” said Gant, “I don’t do it for credit, I don’t do it for money, I do it for the youth.”

The 2013 Mentor of the Year Award went to Christa Beall Diefenbach, Assistant Director of the Axelson Center at North Park University. “Christa's contagious excitement, ingenuity, and compassion have transformed my worldview,” says nominator Lucus Wright.  Diefenback remarked, “I really do feel like it’s a blessing that I get to work with folks that are just getting started in their careers; they have these visions, and to be a part of that vision is so meaningful to me.”

As an added bonus this year, YNPN Chicago acknowledged the work of professionals volunteering their time within the nonprofit sector.  The winner of the Associate Board of the Year in 2013 was the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.  “This past winter we had a huge jump in success raising about $18,000 and having over 400 people attend our winter event” said Leah Drew, associate board member.  A very excited group of board members accepted the award and in doing so, provided the Alzheimer’s Association with invaluable consulting services, courtesy of Deb Hass of Serendipity Consulting.