Hillman Memorial Music Association honored in Buffalo

Accepting the Award at National Philanthropy Day are Hillman Memorial Music Association members. From left to right are Jean Malinoski, University President Ginny Horvath, and Robert Coon.

The Hillman Memorial Music Association at SUNY Fredonia was one of 15 individuals and organizations honored by the Western New York chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at its Distinguished Honoree Program held at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 14 at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens in Buffalo.

More than 400 people, including professional fundraisers from numerous Western New York not-for-profit organizations as well as community leaders and business people, gathered at the National Philanthropy Day celebration to share stories of outstanding philanthropic gifts and volunteer efforts that can change the world with a giving heart.

Since its founding in 1956, the Hillman Memorial Music Association has collaborated with SUNY Fredonia and its School of Music to present the annual Hillman Opera, provide scholarships to support talented and academically qualified music students and fund community music projects.

Approximately 160 students gain valuable experience through their involvement in annual Hillman Opera productions. Hillman Scholarships were awarded to 14 music students during the 2012-13 academic year.

The Hillman Memorial Music Association, nominated by the Fredonia College Foundation, will be included on the “Hall of Honorees,” a mounted poster with photographs and summaries of the work of this year’s 15 Distinguished Honorees. The association was named after former Fredonia Normal School piano instructor Jessie Hillman.