Tributes have been paid to fundraiser Mark Astarita, who died on Friday 26 April at the age of 64.
Astarita, former chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) and fundraising director at the British Red Cross, was described as a “relentless champion” for the profession.
He was awarded an OBE in 2015 in recognition of his services to first aid and fundraising, and during his career he reportedly helped to raise more than £1.5bn for charities.
‘Relentless champion’
A CIoF spokeswoman said: “We are very sad to hear of the death of our former chair, Mark Astarita OBE.
“He was a relentless champion for our profession, and his passion and achievements leave an indelible mark on our community.
“A dedicated and proud fundraiser, throughout his 30-year career Mark was responsible for raising over £1.5bn for good causes across the world.
“Our thoughts are with Mark’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
‘Fundraisers were Mark’s life’s work’
Imogen Ward for Astarita Aldrich & Ward (AAW) Group also posted a tribute.
Ward wrote: “When Mark moved from being a trade unionist to the charity sector he really did bring something very different.
“Mark was a working class young man who had left school at 15 with very few qualifications.
“Smart, cocky and determined to have his voice heard in a sector which, like the rest of British society, really wanted the Marks of the world to conform and be quiet. But Mark couldn't be quiet. And as he got more confident he got louder.
“And it was fundraisers that became his cause, fundraisers who he loved and roared for and would always, always champion. Fundraisers were Mark’s life’s work.”
“Mark raised loads and loads of money for the causes he worked for in his career – billions of dollars in fact. He won countless awards, was the chair of many, many committees and institutions and even received an OBE in recognition of his work.
“But I think the thing he was proudest of was the teams of fundraisers he led and inspired to not only deliver the greatest for the charity they were working for, but to achieve greatness for themselves.”
‘Impossible to quantify how many lives Mark touched’
Astarita also held trustee roles at the Voluntary Services Overseas and St Joseph’s Hospice based in Hackney.
Ward said: “The loss of Mark’s late wife, Gill, hit him hard and when some years later he found love and laughter again with Angie everyone was so happy for him.
“When Gill was coming to the end of her life she was treated by the St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney. It triggered for Mark a deep connection to the cause, serving on the board of St Joseph’s and then later St Clare’s in Harlow.
“He did so much for the movement and I know it’s stronger thanks to his love and determination.
“It’s impossible to quantify how many lives Mark touched in this way. How many individuals he inspired, encouraged and propelled – many are now CEOs of some of the biggest charities in the world.
“All of the people he touched will be remembering him now. Mark was one of those unique people who changed your life from simply being in his presence.
“Mark – all of us at AAW loved you very much and will miss you deeply. We are having to deal with the unimaginable and navigating the next few days and weeks will be hard.”
I am so saddened to hear that Mark Astarita has died. I have known Mark for over 25 years, as both a friend and client. One of the sector's greats; always on the side of fundraisers, extremely knowledgeable, witty and kind.
— John Thompson, aka Johnny Five (@JTCHANGINGBIZ) April 29, 2024
I will miss him so much 💔https://t.co/9KyCgIGrTj
