Professionalism and Enthusiasm Define Adelia Marchese’s Contributions

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter is pleased to announce that Adelia Marchese, Senior Development Officer, Campaign, York University Foundation is the recipient of the 2008 New Fundraising Professional Award. Adelia’s professionalism, enthusiasm and lifelong commitment to the non-profit sector earned her this prestigious honour.

Established in 2001, The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter 2008 New Fundraising Professional Award recognizes a full-time fundraising professional who has displayed exceptional talent and demonstrated outstanding achievement early in his/her career. The recipient has between two and five years of experience in fundraising and is selected through submissions from Chapter members. The award encompasses career achievements, long and short term career objectives, personal volunteer service and a commitment to the profession.

Adelia joined the York University Foundation in October of 2003 as a fundraising assistant and has since worked her way through several positions within the organization. Highlights include working closely with President & CEO Paul Marcus, and as a liaison between York and the Brazilian Carnival Ball office as recipient of the 2006 gala event. She currently works closely with the VP Development, on top prospect cultivation strategies and proposal writing and managing prospects assigned to senior campaign volunteers. Earlier this year, Adelia was also instrumental to the success of the launch of the “50 to the Power of 50 Group,” a group of fifty prominent York University alumni ambassadors for York’s fundraising campaign.

“Adelia’s enthusiasm and lifelong commitment to the non-profit sector are the qualities of a true professional fundraiser and we are pleased to recognize her achievements this year,” says Yves Gadler, Chair, Awards Selection Committee for AFP Greater Toronto Chapter. “Her ability to take initiative combined with her passion for the profession will undoubtedly propel her along her career path and help her to achieve great things.”

While she was a student at the University of Toronto, Adelia was involved in numerous fundraising campaigns and served as Chair of Graditude for Victoria College, a role in which she was responsible for the graduating class gift campaign. After graduating, Adelia worked at Scotiabank for six years serving as the United Way representative and even after joining the York University Foundation, she continued to volunteer at the United Way until 2005.

In 2007, Adelia joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals Congress Committee to serve on the Special Events Committee. She returns this year to the 2008 Congress committee as a member of the Ancillary Committee, sitting on both the Delegate Experience sub-committee, and chairing the Exhibitor Reception committee.

Adelia Marchese will be honoured at Fundraising Day during lunch on Wednesday, May 28^th at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Room 718.