Ohio High School Student, Xavier Swinarski, Earns International Youth Award for Outstanding Fundraising Efforts
CONTACTS:
Natalie Paskoski, Manager of Communications, (434) 236 – 5583, Natalie.Paskoski@afpglobal.org
(Arlington, Virginia) The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is proud to announce that Xavier “Javi” Swinarski, a junior at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, is one of the recipients of the 2025 William R. Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, Individual, sponsored by Carter.
The award, sponsored by Carter through the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy, honors young people with a proven record of exceptional generosity, who demonstrate outstanding civic and charitable responsibility and whose philanthropy encourages others to engage on a community, national, and/or international level. Javi was nominated for the award by the AFP Ohio, Greater Cleveland Chapter.
“It’s an honor to be nominated for this award! I couldn’t have imagined that my SOCKtober sock drive would change so many lives,” said Xavier. “It’s incredible to pull different communities together and create such a substantial impact. I have loved my journey thus far and look forward to what comes next!”
Javi’s journey into philanthropy began during a fourth-grade service trip to John Carroll University, where he learned that socks are the most requested item by those experiencing homelessness. Inspired to take action, he launched the first SOCKtober Drive at Gilmour Academy, mobilizing his school community with passionate speeches, creative marketing, and hands-on leadership. That year, Javi collected 500 pairs of socks. Each year since, he has expanded the drive’s reach and impact, consistently setting and exceeding ambitious new goals.
In 2024, Javi collected an astonishing 22,684 pairs of socks, partnering with several local organizations including the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, the Father Michael Wittman Ozanam Center, and the L’Oréal Distribution Center of Cleveland, to distribute warm, clean, socks to those who need them most. This empathy and passion for collaboration was especially evident this year, as Javi identified an additional partner in Ashville, North Carolina, expanding the drive to deliver 5,000 pairs of socks to the victims devastated by the impact of Hurricane Helene.
Beyond the numbers, Javi has inspired others to take action. His leadership has encouraged fellow students to launch service projects of their own and has provided a replicable framework for schools, churches, and organizations across the country. John Carroll University even adopted his model for its own sock drive.
Javi’s work doesn’t stop when the drive ends. Throughout the year, he thoughtfully thanks donors, builds partnerships, and plans for the future of SOCKtober. Recognizing the importance of sustainability, he has mentored a younger student at Gilmour Academy to continue the drive after his graduation, ensuring its long-lasting impact.
“What makes Javi exceptional is that he learned about a situation that many people might have heard and thought, ‘That’s very sad,’ only to move on, believing there was nothing they could do about it. But not Javi,” said Bob Carter, Chairman of Carter. “He took action and has created more compassionate communities as a result. We are proud to honor Javi for his work ethic, collaborative spirit, and heart for humanity.”
“Javi’s SOCKtober Drive is a shining example of how one person’s passion and commitment can create transformative change,” said Mike Geiger, MBA, CPA, AFP Global president and CEO. “He identified a problem and went above and beyond to launch a sustainable solution, that not only changes the lives of the members of his community, but inspires others to follow in his footsteps, creating exponential impact. He embodies the spirit of philanthropy that this award celebrates.”
The award will be presented in Seattle on April 29 during AFP ICON 2025, the largest gathering of fundraising professionals in the world.
For more information about this award and AFP ICON, please contact Natalie Paskoski at (434)-236-5583 or natalie.paskoski@afpglobal.org
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Since 1960, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising. The association works to advance effective and ethical philanthropy by providing advocacy, research, education, mentoring, collaboration and technology opportunities for the world’s largest network of professional fundraisers. AFP’s more than 26,000 members in over 220 chapters raise over $100 billion annually for a wide variety of charitable organizations and causes across the globe. For more information, go to afpglobal.org.
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