Awardees

Laurie Nahigian

Director of Annual Giving, Nativity Preparatory School of Boston

Laurie Nahigian serves as the Director of Annual Giving at Nativity Preparatory School of Boston and has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing the mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC).

For 27 consecutive years, Laurie has run the Boston Marathon as part of the DFMC team—never missing a single race, even running just months after her son was born. Through her steadfast commitment, she has raised more than $500,000 in support of innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber, with 100% of the funds directed toward lifesaving discoveries.

Laurie’s impact extends far beyond her impressive fundraising achievements. She is known as a source of inspiration and encouragement within the DFMC community—uplifting fellow runners, volunteers, and staff with her positivity, leadership, and genuine care for others. Her ability to motivate those around her to give their time and energy in service to others truly reflects the spirit of the Big Heart Service Award. Whether leading by example on the marathon course or championing generosity in her professional work, Laurie embodies dedication, compassion, and the power of community.

Ahold Delhaize USA

Ahold Delhaize USA, part of the global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, includes five major U.S. grocery brands—Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Giant Food, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop—and serves 26 million customers each week, making it the largest grocery group on the East Coast.

The company’s philanthropy program, ADUSA Cares, drives community impact through initiatives like its bi-annual Spring and Fall Days of Service, engaging over 500 associates and 40+ nonprofit partners across seven states, while also providing donations to support local nonprofit work.

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Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist

The Award honors a corporation or its corporate foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others.

Takeda

Takeda, a global, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to enabling better health for people and a brighter future for the world. Its U.S. Community Health group partners with local and national nonprofits to deliver culturally relevant, sustainable programs, with a focus on nutritious food access and K–12 STEM education.

Takeda’s commitment extends beyond funding, empowering employees to volunteer tens of thousands of hours annually, serve on nonprofit boards, and participate in community-building activities. Through matching gifts and community programs that reward volunteerism, Takeda amplifies its impact.

The award will be accepted on behalf of the organization by Chris Barr, Head of Takeda US CSR & Philanthropic Partnerships.

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Outstanding Fundraising Professional

The Award honors an outstanding fundraiser for recent achievements working for nonprofit, charitable organizations.

Darian B. Gambrell

Executive Director, DEAF, Inc

Darian B. Gambrell is the Executive Director of DEAF, Inc., overseeing five Eastern regional offices in the Greater Boston area. She has more than 15 years of experience at Gallaudet University, where she led the Office of Student Success and played a key role in the JumpStart and Peer Mentoring programs for incoming students.

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Lifetime Achievement in Fundraising

The Award honors an individual for achievements over the span of an entire career.

David Woodruff, CFRE

Consulting Partner, Marts & Lundy

David A. Woodruff, CFRE, has dedicated more than forty years to fundraising for nonprofit organizations in the Boston area. He began his career at MIT, leading international and major gifts fundraising and serving as director of campaign giving for MIT’s $2 billion campaign, Calculated Risks/Creative Revolutions.

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