Paul Tyler of Dickinson Law (pictured middle) and Jerry Jones (right) were honored with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award for their work as trustees of the W.T. & Edna M. Dahl Trust this afternoon at the Philanthropy Day Awards hosted by the Central Iowa Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The pair were nominated for the award by the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation for their commitment to carrying on the charitable aspirations of the Dahl family, whose chain of popular grocery stores served the Des Moines area for more than 80 years. Throughout the Dahl’s lifetime, the Trust has supported many charitable endeavors, among them the Red Cross, Youth Homes of Mid America, and Living History Farms.

Following to the Dahl’s passing, the Trust has provided more than $12 million to over 100 nonprofit organizations. The impact of contributions from the Trust can be felt every time Iowans visit the Poppajohn Sculpture Park or Greenwood Park; when they experience the services provided by such organizations as Eyerly Ball and DMARC; and when they visit the Des Moines Consistory Building and Scottish Rite Masonic Center, maintenance of which was endowed by the Dahl Trust.

The award itself represents an envelope and was created by Roosevelt High School student Eddie Petraline (pictured left), whose artwork symbolizes the selflessness of the Dahl’s contributions, as their donations were always made anonymously.

Before becoming a trustee, Jones was an executive in the Dahl’s organization. Tyler is Of Counsel at Dickinson, Mackaman, Tyler & Hagen P.C. and has served in his role as trustee since 2007.