Judy Climie of Rochester was awarded the Fulton County Community Foundation’s (FCCF) Lifetime Philanthropy Award at their annual Giving Tuesday event on November 29.

Pictured: Jay Albright (NICF Executive Director), Evan Gottschalk (NICF Board President), Judy Climie (award recipient), Brian Johnson (FCCF Director of Development)

The award recognizes a local resident who has made a positive impact on their community through philanthropic efforts.

Climie recalled when she first visited Rochester, and her car’s check oil light came on, causing her to pull over in an unfamiliar place. 

“The guy came out of his office, put oil in the car, and sent me on my way without charging me,” said Climie. “And that just shows you the giving and welcoming spirit of this town.”

In 1998 Climie moved to Rochester and within two weeks she was volunteering for Chamber of Commerce, giving tours during the Round Barn Festival. Her civic engagement continued through Grace United Methodist Church, Tri-Kappa Sorority, Friends of the Library, the FCCF Board, Women of the Moose membership, the Retired Teachers local chapter, and other charitable organizations, many of which she held leadership positions and continues to participate in to this day.

In 2010, she helped found the FCCF’s Women’s Giving Circle, a group that has now granted nearly $80,000 to local organizations through the wisdom and resources of Fulton County Women.

While giving the award to Climie was an obvious fit to the committee, she says she was “flabbergasted” to receive it.

“I’m so honored you considered me. I hope to make a different with my actions as philanthropy isn’t all about giving money, but your time and talents as well,” said Climie.

Past Lifetime Philanthropy Award recipients include Dick and Suzanne Belcher in 2020 and the Baxter family in 2021.