“Strokes” duo Honoured by AFP in Chicago

Apr 07, 2011

Photo: Andrew Fazackerley and Edward Goodfellow in Chicago, courtesy of Krista Fazackerley

It was a story book ending for the Strokes fore Hopes duo Edward Goodfellow and Andrew Fazackerley, who took their final bows on stage at the Hyatt Regency's Crystal ballroom in Chicago on March 21, bringing to a close their Strokes fore Hopes fundraising efforts.

The two attended the Association of Fundraising Professional’s (AFP)'s 48th International Conference, where they were guests at the annual black tie awards banquet. The AFP, which has over 30,000 members in over 222 chapters world-wide, works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.

In the banquet’s final presentation of the evening, Goodfellow and Fazackerley were presented with the “Changing Our World/Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Ages 18-23”. Named after AFP co-founder William R. Simms and sponsored by Changing Our World, the award recognizes individual(s) who “demonstrate outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, the development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in Philanthropy.” The prestigious award recognizes the duo’s three-year Strokes fore Hopes fundraising marathons, which took place from 2008 to 2010 at the Rivendell Golf Club in Verona.

Strokes fore Hopes raised over $100,000 for the Southeastern Ontario Cancer Centre at Kingston General Hospital, and a government initiative, which matched their efforts at a ratio of 9:1, brought the final total to over $1 million.

In Chicago the close to 1500 guests at the awards ceremony were shown a video highlighting the two gentlemen's three 24-hour, non-stop golfing marathons. The video demonstrated how the two young men from a small, rural Ontario community managed to make such a huge local difference for those fighting cancer. Both Andrew and Edward addressed the crowd and spoke of how the event opened their eyes to the passion for the cause, and the power of family, friends, and community.

It was the first time ever that two young Canadians have received the award and after the speeches they received a standing ovation.

Edward and Andrew both said that this ending was something that neither of them ever imagined. “It was absolutely phenomenal and very exciting. I feel that if we ever had any doubts about ending Strokes for Hopes, those doubts totally evaporated in Chicago,” Edward Goodfellow said.

Andrew agreed. “Four years ago when Strokes was just an idea we never imagined for a second that this is where we would end up. It's kind of bittersweet really.”

Rubbing shoulders with some of the leading philanthropists from around the world was an inspiration for the two, who both agreed that their philanthropic efforts would not end in Chicago. “It was definitely inspiring to be in the same room with people who have been working in the field for all of their lives and who in doing so have helped countless numbers of people in so many different ways,” Andrew said.

“While this definitely brings to an end this particular chapter in our lives, “ continued Edward, “it has also inspired us to continue on - but in a different way”. Pressed as to just what future plans might be, Edward answered, “We currently have a couple of things on the go, which I won't mention at this time but which are also philanthropic in nature.”

Their Chicago visit was not all black tie, applause and awards. Accompanied by family and friends, the first-time visitors to the Windy City had a chance to take in the sights and visited Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and the world famous Shedd Aquarium.

It was a well-deserved treat for two young men from rural Ontario who over the last four years have demonstrated a passionate commitment to a single community cause. They are a testament to the fact that dreams can become a reality with a little strength, courage, faith and hope.

The AFP video is posted on YouTube and can be viewed by searching for the name of the award.