CMCF Announces Award in Philanthropy Recipients

Patricia Welter & Patrick Henry – Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy
 
The Alex Didier Award in Philanthropy recognizes a person or couple who has significantly contributed to the field of philanthropy in the region.
 
Patricia Welter and Patrick Henry have spent decades strengthening Central Minnesota through extraordinary leadership, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to building stronger communities. Patricia devoted 35 years to education in the St. Cloud Area School District, serving in numerous leadership roles before co-founding Partner for Student Success, an initiative dedicated to helping every child succeed that later became part of United Way of Central Minnesota. Throughout her career and retirement, she has served on the boards of organizations including Anna Marie’s Alliance, the YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, and the Local Education & Activities Foundation, earning numerous honors for her leadership and service, including the ATHENA Leadership Award and the Mother Benedicta Riepp Award.

Patrick Henry, a retired professor, author, and former executive director of the Collegeville Institute, has dedicated his career to fostering dialogue, community engagement, and philanthropy. His extensive volunteer leadership includes service with organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, Minnesota Humanities Center, Anna Marie’s Alliance, Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota, and Partner for Student Success, among many others. Together, Patricia and Patrick have invested their time, talents, and leadership in countless nonprofit organizations and community initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity, collaboration, and service throughout Central Minnesota.

Cathy Juilfs – Professional Award in Philanthropy
 
The Professional Award in Philanthropy recognizes the efforts of a professional advisor such as an attorney, accountant, financial planner, or other professional who has significantly contributed to philanthropy in the region.
 
Cathy Juilfs is the President and CEO of AIS Planning, a locally owned fiduciary financial advisory firm she helped build from the ground up in 1999. Over the past 27 years, she has guided the financial futures of thousands of individuals, families, and businesses while fostering a culture of service, leadership, and philanthropy. A respected leader in the financial services industry, Cathy is passionate about mentoring others and helping clients align their financial goals with their values.

Driven by a lifelong commitment to giving back, Cathy has served on numerous nonprofit and community boards, including the Women’s Fund Advisory Board and the YMCA Board. She also helped lead a community effort that built 10 Habitat for Humanity homes, reflecting her belief that communities are strongest when people invest their time, talent, and treasure in one another.

Yasin Alsaidi – Social Trust Award
 
The Social Trust Award recognizes the often-unsung hero of community building: the Weaver; an individual who is actively building social trust across the Greater St. Cloud community.
 

Yasin Alsaidi started his career in Higher Education. Most recently, he worked as the Dean of Admission at New England College, in Henniker, NH, where he still serves as an adjunct professor. After many years in Higher Education, he decided to pursue a life-long goal of becoming a lawyer. He attended Vermont Law School and obtained a JD and a certificate in International and Comparative Law. Yasin started his career as a housing attorney with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid ‘s St. Cloud office.  An internship after his first year of law school with New Hampshire Legal Assistance introduced him to the privilege of serving those who are in need.  He currently serves as Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Deputy Director for the St. Cloud and Willmar Offices.

In his spare time, Yasin likes travel, photography, gardening, and working with his 1.5-year-old black lab, Henry.