FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) today announced the honorees of the 27th 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. 12 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- Francie Bishop Good nominated by NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale
- Outstanding Large Corporation – ADT nominated by SOS Children’s Villages – Florida
- Outstanding Small Corporation – Orange Bowl Committee – nominated by Junior Achievement of South Florida
- Outstanding Foundation – The Salah Foundation – nominated by Broward Health Foundation
- Outstanding Organization – Coral Springs Community Chest – nominated by Impact Broward
- Outstanding Fundraising Professional – Jennifer Stewart, CFRE – nominated by Children’s Harbor
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Heather Geronemus – nominated by MADD
- Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Robert Calhoun – nominated by Westminster Academy and South Florida Wildlife Center
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Mary Riedel – nominated by Signature Grand
“The honorees were selected by a distinguished panel of AFP members, who diligently sorted through this year's banner amount of highly qualified candidates,” said event co-chair Debbie Levine. “There are many, many exceptional philanthropists in Broward County. We are delighted to honor these amazing individuals, corporation 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 26 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 Rose Miniaci, Roy and Kathryn Krause, Denise and Peter Wittich, Holland & Knight, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.,The Florida Panthers Foundation, Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund, Bronsen Bloom, Signature Grand, 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.
Rick and I were honored as the Individual Philanthropists of the Year for 2007, and the Rick Case Automotive Group was awarded the Corporate Philanthropist of the year for 2007,” said Rita Case of Rick Case Automotive Group. “To receive this national recognition from our peers for our contribution to the improvement of our community was one of the greatest accomplishments we have received. We support the general ‘health’ of our community, which ensures a safe environment that will provide a solid foundation for positive and productive growth. To be honored for our efforts was sincerely appreciated, and reinforces to our company’s associates that their contributions are recognized.”
Event sponsorships are available and range from $1,250 to $10,000. Also, ads may also be purchased in the AFP Journal for prices ranging from $25 to $850 ($850 ad includes table for 10 at the event plus full page advertisement). For more information about sponsorships, table honorees, and ads, visit www.afpbroward.org/national-philanthropy-day2014
The 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 co-chairs Debbie Levine, CFRE (954) 420-5030 and Shannon Brown (305) 899-4834.
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.
