11/3/2009 8:40:02 AM

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By Christina Killion Valdez

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN 

Edward Pompeian, Sharon Tuntland, The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation and Minnesota Student Energy Project all know the value of giving. Yet now they will be the ones receiving.

	If you go What: National Philanthropy Day Celebration When: Nov. 10. Workshops 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Awards luncheon 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Where: Kahler Grand Hotel Heritage Hall, 20 Second Ave. S.W., Rochester. Cost: $75 workshop package, includes lunch, or $25 each for morning fundraisers workshop, morning financial and estate planning professionals workshop, the luncheon, or afternoon board and volunteer workshop. Questions? E-mail Laurie Kellagher at lauriek@abcinc.org.

The individuals and organizations will be honored for their work during a National Philanthropy Day celebration Nov. 10, sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Southern Minnesota Chapter.

• Minnesota Student Energy Project: Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy

What began with three students who set out to reduce electric consumption at Mayo High School evolved into a community-wide initiative. The students raised $30,000 to install solar panels at the high school. With the support of Rochester Public Utilities and a $75,000 grant from the American Public Power Association, the project grew to other schools and the students formed a nonprofit corporation.

• Edward Pompeian: Outstanding Philanthropist

Pompeian single-handedly raised the money for the down payment on the first Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester and lead the efforts to build a second home. He also established the Edward P. Pompeian Fund to support handicapped patients and their caregivers. As a supporter of the Choral Arts Ensemble/Honors Choirs, he has secured major sponsorships on an annual basis and encouraged support from charitable family foundations. He's also provided housing for visiting artists and guest performers.

• Sharon Tuntland: Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

As chair of the Musical Strollathon Walk, a component of the Rochester Arts Council's first ARTigras, Tuntland involved the wider arts community in the project, which raised thousands of dollars for the arts. She has been active with Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale for many years, opening her home for various fundraisers, volunteering with the annual Radiothon and leading the Fund Development Steering Committee. Tuntland was also instrumental in bringing the Boys and Girls Club to Rochester and she and her husband also established the first donor-advised fund with the Rochester Area Foundation.

• The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation: Outstanding Philanthropy

The foundation has provided funding and matching grants for a variety of organizations and groups throughout the area. Among its projects this year was a $20,000 matching grant for the Rochester Arts Council's Goose Is Loose public art project. Board members are also active in the community, often providing pro bono assistance when appropriate.

The day will also include workshops for fundraising professionals and a seminar for financial and estate planning professionals.

Kay Sprinkel Grace, a San Francisco-based organizational consultant and author, will deliver the keynote speech, "Building Community, Building Our Future: Philanthropy's Role in Creating Social Capital."

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