28th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon November 18th at Signature Grand.

The Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), today announced the honorees of the 28^th Annual National Philanthropy Day® Awards, a nationally recognized event, to be presented by Signature Grand. This special day is set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions philanthropy – and those individuals active in the philanthropic arena – have made into our lives and community here in Broward County.

The general public nominated outstanding Broward philanthropists whose charitable contributions have made a significant impact for the organizations they serve, and for the community as a whole.  Awardees will be honored at a luncheon presented on Wednesday, November 18^th at Signature Grand, Davie, Fla.  The ceremony boasts an attendance of more than 600 nonprofit executives, board members, civic leaders and philanthropists each year.

The honorees are:

·       Philanthropists of the Year – Helene & Stephen Weicholz nominated by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation and JAFCO

·       Outstanding Large Corporation – Florida Blue nominated by Barry University

·       Outstanding Small Corporation – Goodyear Blimp Base – Pompano Beach – nominated by Miller, Calhoun & Company

·       Outstanding Foundation –  Lillian S. Wells Foundation – nominated by Broward College Foundation

·       Outstanding Fundraising Professional – Dennis Stefanacci, ACFRE – nominated by Broward Health Foundation

·       Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – Bob Birdsong – nominated by Broward College Foundation

·       Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy – Chase Polyak – nominated by Big Dog Rescue Ranch

·       Lifetime Achievement – Dr. Lourdes Martinez Cowgill – nominated by Barry University

Event Chair, Shannon Brown commented, “The nominations we received this year for National Philanthropy Day were extraordinarily strong.  The selection committee, made up of longtime AFP members, faced tough decisions. The slate of honorees for 2015 is a remarkable representation of the altruistic spirit that is alive and strong in our community.  There are many exceptional philanthropists in Broward County, and 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, numerous states, and provincial and local governments have recognized the day 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 27 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, Francie Bishop Good, Mary Riedel, Andy Cagnetta, Heather Geronemus, Rick and Rita Case, I. Lorraine Thomas, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., ADT, Signature Grand, AutoNation, JM Family Enterprises, The Salah Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, The Jim Moran Foundation, The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Diana Metcalf, Leslie W. Brown, CFRE, and Doris K. Sipos, MA, CFRE, among many others of high prestige.

“We were honored to have been selected as 2014’s Outstanding Large Corporation, as the experience has opened the door to new amazing relationships in Broward County’s philanthropic community,” commented Alex Price, Senior Manager of Community Relations at ADT.