Philanthropic work honored: Local association recognizes individuals, foundation

11/16/2007

Geoffrey Lyden and the Lyden family yesterday were named northwest Ohio's outstanding philanthropist by the local chapter of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals.

Also honored were the Landman-Goldman Foundation, outstanding private foundation; Dennis Johnson, outstanding volunteer fund-raiser, and Kenneth Frisch, outstanding fund-raising professional.

The awards were presented during the 19th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon at the Franciscan Center on the Lourdes College campus in Sylvania.

The Lyden family, which was nominated for the honor by Lourdes College, has been a strong financial supporter of the college for two decades and has inspired generosity from others.

Mr. Lyden said he has third-generation wealth.

"I inherited wealth, but I also inherited the strong family value of giving," he said.

The Landman-Goldman Foundation was nominated by the Toledo Area Humane Society and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for its education outreach program for medical students and support for the animal shelter.

The four trustees - Robert V. Sterling, Edward F. Weber, Alice Weber, and Leslie Sterling -have motivated philanthropic giving through their leadership and financial support to the community.

Dennis Johnson, nominated by the United Way of Greater Toledo and the Toledo Community Foundation, has been a key long-standing community volunteer, civic leader, and philanthropist in the greater Toledo area.

Mr. Johnson, president of the Brooks Insurance Agency, said "there are always more needs than resources, and it will always be that way.

"We need to constantly encourage others to become involved."

Kenneth Frisch, director of development for Hospice of Northwest Ohio and president-elect of the local AFP, was nominated by the northwest Ohio chapter of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals.