Boyers receive philanthropy award

In recognition of their generosity to the local community, Barry Boyer ’84 and Gilda Vinzulis Boyer ’84 will receive the 2020 Outstanding Individual Philanthropists award on Nov. 10 from the Eastern Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

The National Philanthropy Day event will be held online at 11:30 a.m. on Facebook. 

AFP Eastern Iowa’s recognition of the Boyers describes them as “community volunteers and significant philanthropists in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area. With successful professional careers behind them, the Boyers have focused on service, adventure, and learning in their retirement.” 

Barry and Gilda established a fund in 2003 at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation to support the community that has supported them for so long. Since then the fund has distributed over $263,000 to 39 charitable nonprofits.

Gilda was chair of the Cornell College Board of Trustees from 2017–2020. Since retiring from Shuttleworth and Ingersoll law firm in 2008 she has served and chaired numerous community boards. Barry retired in 2012 as President and CEO of Van Meter Industrial. His community leadership includes chairing the board of Priority One, its successor the Metro Economic Alliance, and co-chairing a United Way campaign with Gilda. In retirement he has helped start two nonprofits that work with incarcerated men.

“It is hard to quantify the impact that the Boyers have had on our community,” AFP’s recognition continues. “Their fierce commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for others is evident in their past and continued work on behalf of so many. They care about our community and region; they care about people; they are giving of their time and knowledge; they inspire others to think outside the box; they are collaborators and conveners; and they are intentional with their philanthropy.”