DeLapp Honored as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Sara DeLapp, former chairwoman and longtime member of the foundation board that supports Wake Forest Baptist Health Lexington Medical Center (LMC), has been honored as the 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Lexington by the North Carolina Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

Sara DeLapp stands in a hallway full of windows and natural light
She received the honor during the Triad chapter’s 2019 National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Nov. 25 at Greensboro’s Grandover Resort. The annual event recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations from across the Triad for their philanthropic contributions. The Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations nominated DeLapp for her work in support of LMC. 

“Sara is a natural-born leader,” said Lisa Marshall, chief philanthropy officer and vice president of philanthropy and alumni relations for Wake Forest Baptist. “She gives tirelessly of her time, energy, talents and resources. People who work with her most closely call her the Energizer bunny, because she never stops and just keeps going until the job is done.” 

DeLapp has recruited nearly 1,000 people in the community to provide philanthropic support for LMC-related causes, including the annual Sportsmen’s Saturday event and the fundraising campaign for a new surgical facility. Since she initiated Sportsmen’s Saturday in 2010, the event has raised nearly $1.6 million to benefit various needs at LMC, including the new surgical facility, Rehabilitation Services, the Emergency Department and the Cancer Center. 

She also has served on the board of the Hinkle Hospice House and Medical Ministries, is a long-time board member of the J. Smith Young YMCA in Lexington, and was a member of the Davidson County Community College Foundation Board for 22 years, leading the board as president from 1994-96 and chairing the foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala. She was named director emeritus in 2006 in honor of her lengthy and successful tenure. 

Philanthropy and Alumni Relations also recognized Great Clips and local franchisee Joe Kissick as a Spirit of Philanthropy table honoree at the event. Kissick and Great Clips have supported Brenner Children’s through fundraising efforts for several years.