Congratulations to Dr. Mary Jo Welker and husband Lloyd Welker on receiving the AAFP Foundation’s 2016 Philanthropists of the Year Award (POY)!
The award was presented to the Welkers during the American Academy of Family Physicians’ recognition dinner as part of its annual meeting on September 22 in Orlando, FL.
The AAFP Foundation POY is given to an individual or couple that has set a standard of excellence in family medicine philanthropy – and boy have the Welker’s set that!
The Welkers have long exemplified excellence in family medicine philanthropy. Spearheading and contributing to numerous fundraising activities and volunteering many hours of their time to humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally are only a few reasons the Welkers are more than deserving of this honor.
Financially, the Welkers have given generously to both the state and national Foundations with overall donations upwards of $69,000.
Dr. Welker and Lloyd are unquestionably effective leaders in many different areas. Not only is Dr. Welker a rock star in her role at The Ohio State University, she has held many leadership positions within the AAFP and the AAFP Foundation and Lloyd has been a supporter throughout it all.
The Welkers have an innate ability to encourage philanthropy and engagement in others. They truly believe their role is to not only serve the health care needs of the communities they live and travel to, but to spread that belief and philosophy with others. Lloyd has been a huge contributor to planning and executing numerous AAFP Foundation fundraising events and has worked with others to make them successful. They also actively participate in fundraising activities and encourage their peers to do the same.
Most notably, the Welkers take a huge interest in serving those in need on an international level. Dr. Welker is currently the co-chair of the Family Medicine Cares International program with the AAFP Foundation.
Even with all of these heavy responsibilities, trips, and positions, Dr. Welker still focuses on what family medicine is all about. Nearest to her heart and passion to help and heal others is her work at free clinics—not only giving time to see patients but also to advocate for those who cannot afford health care in today’s broken system.
There is so much more that could be said about each of these remarkable individuals separately and even more about them as a couple. Their influence, passion, dedication, and compassion that they share with each other and their community – whether in Ohio or across the ocean, is beyond compare. Their philanthropic and humanitarian efforts locally, nationally, and internationally are unparalleled. And, their ability to encourage those around them to make a donation, travel to help those in need, or participate in an event is undisputable.
Congratulations, Dr. Welker and Lloyd!
Truly deserved. Congratulations, Mary Jo and Lloyd!