Donald M. Mawhinney, Jr., has done more than his fair share of philanthropic work in the local community. That’s one of many reasons why Hope for Bereaved founder Therese Schoeneck wants to honor the longtime Barclay Damon attorney at this year’s 38th annual Celebration of Hope dinner and fundraiser.
The event, black tie optional, will be held on Friday, Nov. 4 in the Nicholas J. Pirro OnCenter Ballroom. The reception and silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 8 p.m. The evening will include a cash bar, live auction, a memory-making photo booth with fun props, and raffles.
Mawhinney, 91, has been an active supporter of Schoeneck’s Syracuse-based center for about 20 years, most recently having served on its executive board of directors. The organization provides support, resources and hope for grieving children, adults and families.
“He is just a very inspiring and active person,” Schoeneck said of Mawhinney, noting how he devoted his entire birthday in June playing golf. “He is [not only] a very wonderful person and friend to HOPE, but also to the community.”
Onondaga Community College Communications Coordinator Roger Mirabito can attest to Schoeneck’s assertion of Mawhinney’s generosity and loyalty. “His role in the creation and growth of Onondaga Community College can not be overstated. His willingness to give of himself for the greater good is something we can all learn from,” he said. In 2006, a building on the OCC campus known as Academic One was renamed Mawhinney Hall in his honor.
A short list of Mawhinney’s other civic activity over the years includes engagements with the Erie Canal Museum (he was a founding trustee and served 48 years on its board), the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Syracuse Symphony and Park Central Presbyterian Church. His admirable career also includes a lengthy list of honors and recognitions. You can find a comprehensive summary of Mawhinney’s prolific history on the Barclay Damon website at barclaydamon.com/profiles/Donald-M-Mawhinney.
When speaking to Mawhinney, you would never know how significant his roles have been in helping build the local community. His humble and unassuming manner is refreshing in a world where it’s become routine to publicly declare personal triumphs.
“I’m not used to all these special acknowledgements, or whatever you want to call them. I’m glad to work with such wonderful people like Therese, her husband and the rest of her family and organization,” he said of his two-decades-long commitment toward HOPE for Bereaved. “Therese is the spark behind the whole [center]. I’m glad to be with her and to have helped her. I hope to continue to do so.”
HOPE for Bereaved provides core services free-of-charge to anyone experiencing the death of someone close to them. Proceeds from the event will fund these services, which include 12 different monthly support groups, one-on-one counseling and a monthly newsletter. Hope also holds grief workshops for daycare providers, on-site bereavement support for employees dealing with grief in the workplace, school resource kits, along with training and resources for helping individuals with developmental disabilities cope with grief. Additionally, the organization has grown to include training, consultation and resources for those who wish to help the bereaved. For more information about HOPE, become a sponsor for Celebration of HOPE, or to purchase tickets to the fundraiser, visit hopeforbereaved.com, email [email protected] or call 475-9675.
