Grantmakers in the News

The Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) announced Sue and John Wieland as the 2005 Georgia Philanthropists of the Year and Douglas Hertz as the 2005 Georgia Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year. Winners were nominated by organizations and individuals touched by their volunteer and philanthropic activities and selected by a committee of nonprofit executives after an extensive evaluation of supporting documentation. The annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005 and presented by Alexander Haas Martin & Partners and SunTrust, honors these outstanding leaders for their commitment of valued time, talent and passion.

Sue and John Wieland: 2005 Georgia Philanthropists of the Year
Sue and John Wieland, co-nominated by the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Union Mission, have been longstanding leaders in the Atlanta community, patrons of the arts and outstanding supporters of affordable housing initiatives. Most recently, they made an unprecedented leadership gift of $12 million to the High Museum’s expansion campaign, the largest individual gift in the museum’s history, setting a new standard for philanthropy in Atlanta. The new Wieland Pavilion at the High Museum of Art opens its doors Nov. 12, 2005.

The couple, through John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods, also built and donated a new 11-unit apartment building to Atlanta Union Mission. The apartments will provide transitional housing for 23 women and their children following graduation from the Mission’s residential recovery program. In addition to their central role in these notable organizations, the Wielands have also been active supporters of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Emory University, Piedmont Hospital Foundation and Families First.

Doug Hertz: 2005 Georgia Fundraiser of the Year
Doug Hertz, co-nominated by Camp Twin Lakes and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, is an active fundraiser in the Atlanta area who has worked relentlessly to raise monies for many of Atlanta’s most deserving nonprofits and organizations. Hertz has served as a board member and/or volunteer fundraiser for more than ten organizations, including the Georgia Cancer Coalition, Hands On Atlanta and the Woodruff Arts Center.

Founder and Board Chair for Camp Twin Lakes, a camp for chronically ill and disadvantaged children, Hertz successfully chaired three Capital/Endowment campaigns, raising over $10 million in cash and in-kind donations used to serve more than 30,000 special-needs children. Under Hertz’s leadership, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation has grown tremendously, raising an average of $20 million annually. Past president of Temple and a past chairman of the Trinity School, he and his wife, Lila, were recently recognized by the American Jewish Committee for distinguished community service. By leveraging countless professional and personal relationships, Hertz has used his drive and ambition to show key leaders in the community the importance of continued philanthropic activities and giving back to deserving organizations.