FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) today announced the honorees of the 25th Annual National Philanthropy Day® Awards presented by Signature Grand, a nationally recognized event. This special day is set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives and our community here in Broward County.
The general public nominated outstanding Broward philanthropists whose contributions have made a significant impact in the organizations they serve and the community as a whole. Awardees will be honored at a luncheon presented by Signature Grand on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Signature Grand, Davie, Fla. The ceremony is attended by more than 500 nonprofit executives, board members, civic leaders and philanthropists each year. The honorees are:
· Outstanding Philanthropist – Roy and Kathryn Krause, nominated by Junior Achievement of South Florida
· Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Denise and Peter Wittich, nominated by Memorial Foundation, Inc.
· Outstanding Corporation (Large) – Holland & Knight, nominated by Children’s Harbor
· Outstanding Corporation (Small) – Midtown Athletic Club, nominated by SIDES (Sydney’s Incredible Defeat of Ewing’s Sarcoma)
· Outstanding Foundation – The Florida Panthers Foundation, nominated by Broward Health Foundation
· Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Bronsen Bloom, nominated by Pine Crest School – Fort Lauderdale
· Outstanding Fundraising Professional – Diana Metcalf, nominated by Meredith Ray Feder, CFRE & Junior Achievement of South Florida
· President’s Award of Excellence – Signature Grand
“There are many, many exceptional philanthropists in Broward County, and we were pleased to receive a great number of nominations,” said event tri-chair Tracy J. Schuldiner. “It was very difficult to select the honorees from among such a wonderful group of nominees, but we are delighted to honor these amazing individuals, corporations and foundations.”
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing National Philanthropy Day. Since then, the day has been recognized by numerous states, provincial and local governments across North America, including the Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of AFP. National Philanthropy Day is part of AFP’s worldwide celebration of philanthropy during the month of November.
Over the past 24 years, the Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter has honored more than 100 individuals and organizations for their significant philanthropic contributions to the local community. Past honorees include I. Lorraine Thomas, Rick and Rita Case, Andy Cagnetta, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, The Wasie Foundation, Janet Davis, Paul Sallarulo, Target, Bank of America, AutoNation, The Jim Moran Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, Publix Supermarkets, and Doris K. Sipos, MA, CFRE.
2010 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Andy Cagnetta said, “It was a huge honor! Three are so many great volunteer fundraisers and philanthropists in town. To be chosen as the best was humbling to say the least. We give because we can and care … we ask others to multiply our effort ... the reward is the lasting effect and betterment of our community.”
“I was recognized in 2003 for individual philanthropy and in 2009 as part of the Children’s Home Society Auxiliary,” said I. Lorraine Thomas. “Both times it gave me an opportunity to encourage the community to become involved. When you live in a community, you need to ‘give back’ and make a difference every day.”
Event sponsorships are available and range from $1,250 to $10,000. Current sponsors include the presenting sponsor Signature Grand; Maroone, an AutoNation Company; The Wasie Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, The Jim Moran Foundation, Cindy Schutt PR, Mister Non Profit, Durée & Company, SHAPE, SIDES, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Ascendant Planned Giving, Envision Web Development, E Productions and Eye on South Florida. Also, ads may also be purchased in the AFP Journal for prices ranging from $50 to $800 ($800 ad includes table for 10 at the event plus full page advertisement). For more information about sponsorships and ads, visit www.afpbroward.org/national-philanthropy-day.
To purchase tickets or to reserve a table/recognize a donor, individual, corporation or foundation as your own table honoree for the 25th Annual National Philanthropy Day® Awards, visit www.afpbroward.org/national-philanthropy-day. The Wednesday, Nov. 14 event will begin with registration at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 p.m. Signature Grand is located at 6900 W State Road 84, Davie, FL 33317.
For more information on National Philanthropy Day, contact event tri-chairs Jessica Kersey (954) 789-0582, Andria Nolan (954) 806-5615 and Tracy J. Schuldiner (754) 551-4172. You may also reach them via email at afpnpd@gmail.com.
About the Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 160 professional fundraisers from all sectors of the local non-profit community. Internationally, AFP represents more than 30,000 fundraisers in 222 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. AFP fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession. Visit our website at www.afpbroward.org
