Kathryn Vecellio Honored For Philanthropic Leadership
Kathryn Vecellio has been one busy lady. For 35 years she has worked full-time as an organizer, fundraiser and development volunteer for dozens of nonprofit organizations, in addition to being an owner and board member of the Vecellio Group and a devoted wife and mother.
Her tireless efforts as a member or chairperson of myriad committees and boards have helped raise awareness — and millions of dollars — for more than 40 community, charitable and educational organizations ranging from the South Florida Science Museum and Norton Museum of Art, to the Schepens Eye Research Institute, American Heart Association, Center for Children in Crisis, and the Salvation Army.
Kathryn has received numerous prestigious awards for her lifetime of service, including Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser from the Palm Beach Chapter of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals, presented at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon in November at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
She was also Philanthropy Honoree at the 15th Annual “Lady in Red” Gala, held in November by Leader’s In Furthering Education (LIFE) at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
Kathryn’s honors also include Palm Beach Atlantic University’s “Women of Distinction Award” and Executive Women of the Palm Beaches’ “Women In Leadership Award,” among others. Presenters have included two governors and a retired four-star general.
The list of distinctions goes on, but Kathryn says her greatest honor is knowing that her efforts have helped others.
Just one example is the 2008 Palm Beach Heart Ball, which Kathryn chaired. The event raised a record-breaking $2.48 million, making it the most successful ever held.
“Christopher, Michael and I are extremely proud and appreciative of her,” says Leo Vecellio, Jr. “Not only for all her philanthropic activities, but for her role with the Group, and, of course, as a loving wife and mother.”
