As part of its Nov. 15 National Philanthropy Day celebration, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern Plains Chapter awarded Shirley K. Dukart, of Dickinson, with the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Dukart has donated lead and major gifts for many major projects in Dickinson, according to a press release. She's a long time Rotarian and served the role as club president. Currently, Dukart is the membership committee chair and "enthusiastically spearheads the club's member recruiting efforts" that resulted in the club receiving an award for the most net members in Rotary District 5580 in 2019 and 2020 — which occurred during the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with her long standing civic roles, Dukart has volunteered for the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and served as president. She also served the City of Dickinson when she was elected as a commissioner and sat on the Dickinson City Commission for a term as well as the Special Assessment Commission. Now, Dukart is a member of the City of Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission.
"Being a volunteer to me is helping others and having fun while creating friendships and a community," Dukart said in a press release. "I sponsor events by buying a table or tickets and inviting guests who don’t know about the event or have never been to it so they get involved. I like being a C=commissioner or a leader in the political arena as well. My self esteem is built on helping others and getting them involved."
The qualifications for the Outstanding Volunteer Award include celebrating a volunteer who contributes significant time and talent to advance a charitable cause or meet a societal need.
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In early 2016, Dukart and her best friend, Irene Schafer, formed the Power of 100 Women Who Care after reading about a similar group in Fargo. Dukart and Schafer realized that women in Dickinson could make a significant impact for the community and people in need if they worked together. Since its inception, Power of 100 Women Who Care has donated close to $400,000 to nonprofits serving people in the Dickinson area. In 2020, Power of 100 Women was voted the Best Civic Club in the Best of the Western Edge contest, the press release reads.
"The Power of 100 Women has helped so many people with their donations and built so many friendships along the way," Dukart added.
