Prepared by Valerie Castles, CFRE, May 2010

California's Valley Chapter was chartered in 1987 and has been serving the education and networking needs of fundraising professionals in the southern region of the San Joaquin Valley ever since.

The chapter's monthly workshop and networking meeting is open to AFP members, prospective members, and others involved in fundraising for non-profit organizations including board members and volunteers. The chapter is managed by volunteers from the membership.

The chapter hosted its first National Philanthropy Day in 1987. That early tradition has been followed each fall and includes morning seminars for the fundraising professionals followed by an awards luncheon that recognizes philanthropists and fundraising professionals.

Among the awards presented on National Philanthropy Day is one that recognizes a professional fundraiser for her/his accomplishments and adherence to the principles of ethical fundraising practices established by the Association.

On January 1, 2010 the chapter had 75 members representing organizations of all sizes in Fresno Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare counties. They serve a variety of non-profit organizations that support charitable causes and community betterment from A to Z including the arts and culture, animal welfare, education, health care, human services, poverty reduction, social issues and services.

1987 Charter Members

• Garry S. Griesser
• Judith C. Sharp
• Patrick C. Ogle
• Linda Holmes
• Lorey Smith Sigl
• Bob Sabroe
• Michael C. Ford
• Judy Minasian
• Consuelo M. Sterling
• Pamela Bills
• Gary T. O'Connell

• Dena Cochran
• Guy Wharton
• Sharon Green
• Robert Shumaker
• Richard K. Francois
• Lynn Eilefson, CFRE
• Sheila Woodward
• Linda Hightower
• Belle Trinkle
• Harry Miller

Chapter Presidents

• 1987 Gary Griesser
• 1988 Valerie J. Lung
• 1989 Michael C. Ford
• 1990 Carol Pharr
• 1991 Dena Cochran
• 1992 Richard Francois
• 1993 Elizabeth Olson
• 1994 Thomas H. Canar
• 1995 Jim Meinert, Ph.D.
• 1996 Art Enns
• 1997 Barbara Divinney
• 1998 Gary Cardaronella
• 1999 Gary Cardaronella & Bud Dickerson, Ed D.

• 2000 Bud Dickerson, Ed.D.
• 2001 Peter Smits, Ph.D.
• 2002 Melisha Ford
• 2003 Corrine Martin
• 2004 Joan Minasian
• 2005 Vivian St. Louis
• 2006 Carol Davies
• 2007 James Collier
• 2008 Yezdyar Kaoosji, CFRE*
• 2009 Valerie Castles, CFRE
• 2010 Linda Calandra

Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award

• 1989 Pat Ogle
• 1990 Gary Griesser
• 1991 Richard Francois
• 1992 Elizabeth Olson Looney
• 1993 Thomas Canar
• 1994 Dena Cochran
• 1995 James Meinert, Ph.D
• 1996 Dave Kyle

• 1998 Amy Sherman Smith
• 1999 Peter Smits, Ph.D
• 2000 Michael C. Ford, Ph.D., CFRE
• 2001 Bud Dickerson, Ed.D.
• 2003 Joan Hensleit-Minasian
• 2004 Melisha Ford
• 2005 Mark Deffenbacher
• 2007 Vivian St. Louis

* Professional designations are indicated if they were held at the time of office or award achievement.