FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 14, 2025
CONTACT: J.J. Lewis, CEO | (517) 618-1874
Pinckney, MI – North Star Reach, the ninth U.S. residential camp in the SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, proudly announces that its Board Chair, Sheri Mark, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Greater Detroit Chapter. This award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, inspiring and mobilizing volunteers to achieve significant fundraising results for multiple nonprofit organizations.
Mark’s profound impact as a volunteer fundraiser spans numerous organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit, the ALS Center of Excellence, Camp Tamarack and Farber Farm, and notably, North Star Reach, a medically supported camp for children with serious health challenges and their families.
“Sheri exemplifies the very best qualities of a volunteer fundraiser,” said J.J. Lewis, CEO of North Star Reach. “Her visionary leadership and unwavering passion have profoundly shaped our philanthropic successes, inspiring donors and volunteers alike. Sheri’s extraordinary commitment and generous spirit have directly benefited thousands of children and families, helping to create spaces of healing, joy, and belonging. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized with this distinguished honor.”
At North Star Reach, Mark’s transformative leadership has been instrumental in securing significant philanthropic support, most recently culminating in a groundbreaking $600,000 matching gift from The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation. She has personally spearheaded major gift campaigns and innovative events such as the “Magic of Camp Brunch,” dramatically increasing the organization’s visibility and impact.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Mark. “Fundraising is about more than raising money—it’s about connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. The success we’ve achieved together at North Star Reach, Ronald McDonald House Charities, ALS Center of Excellence, and many others, reflects the generosity, dedication, and collaborative spirit of our community. I am grateful to AFP Greater Detroit for this recognition, and I share this honor with every volunteer, donor, and advocate who helps make our collective missions possible.”
Mark’s philanthropic leadership extends beyond North Star Reach. At Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit, she successfully co-led a $2.5 million capital campaign and significantly expanded services. As president of the ALS Center of Excellence Advisory Board, her dedicated leadership continues to advance patient care and advocacy efforts.
The AFP Greater Detroit Chapter will officially present the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award to Sheri Mark during its annual National Philanthropy Day Strolling Dinner and Awards Ceremony at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn on Thursday, November 13.
