Bob Berkhof receives Ben Franklin Fundraising Award

Calvin's senior associate to the president Bob Berkhof is the recipient of the 2010 "Benjamin Franklin Award For An Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser."

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) presents the award to an outstanding individual fundraising professional who practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner working directly for a nonprofit/charitable organization.

Berkhof was presented with the award at the AFP West Michigan Chapter's 24th-annual celebration of "National Philanthropy Day" on Tuesday, November 9, 2010.

Berkhof has represented his alma mater Calvin College for the past 26 years. He began his career at Calvin in 1986 as Director of Special Gifts, successfully planning and managing capital campaigns for facilities, land purchases, and innovative programs. Under Berkhof's leadership, two major campaigns for Calvin resulted in commitments of $213 million.

"Bob has been an essential leader in Calvin's fundraising efforts," said Calvin president Gaylen Byker, "and he has provided valuable assistance and mentoring to numerous other non-profit organizations and their development officers during his tenure at Calvin."

In addition to his work at Calvin, Berkhof has also served the West Michigan community well. He served three terms on the board of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, six years as a board member for International Aid, as a member of the Sylvan Christian School board, and in various leadership capacities at two local Christian Reformed Churches.

"To be honored by my peers with this award is truly something special," said Berkhof. "I thank God for not only giving me the opportunity to build long-term relationships with many alumni and friends of Calvin College, but also for giving me the courage to ask them to give back to Calvin a portion of that which they have been provided."

Berkhof is a long-time member of the AFP, serving as chapter president and two-time chair of AFP West Michigan's National Philanthropy Day celebration.

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Received on Fri Nov 19 09:50:47 2010