Windy City Times Richard Turner: A Lifetime of Giving

Windy City Times: "Richard Turner: A Lifetime of Giving
by Andrew Davis
2004-12-08

To say that Richard Turner has been selfless would be an understatement.
For almost three decades, Turner has been a development professional and a grant maker. However, it is arguably in the volunteer arena �and specifically regarding AIDS�where he has made his mark. He was the first board member added to the board of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago after its founding and was a member of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt�s national board of directors.
He also served as the national president and subsequently became the executive director of the New York-based Funders Concerned About AIDS. In addition, he has gotten deeply involved in the arts. Turner has served on the board of Steppenwolf Theatre; was the founding president of the Wisdom Bridge and Travel Light Theater boards; and served on the Arts Council theater committee. He is currently chairing the board of the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
It would seem a given that someone who has been so devoted to an endeavor such as philanthropy would gain the admiration of many�and that indeed has been the case. Turner has received numerous awards, including the Chicago House Founders Award; he was also part of the very first group that was inducted into Chicago�s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. On Dec. 10, Turner will be one of six individuals honored by the Chicago chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals ( AFP ) . Turner will be receive AFP Professional Grantor Award. The award is given annually to a corporate or foundation giving officer recognized for his/her professionalism, sensitivity and generous support to the nonprofit community."