For 38 years, National Philanthropy Day® has recognized extraordinary individuals and organizations making a difference. This year’s honorees will join a distinguished list of past awardees who have shaped Miami’s philanthropic landscape. And since 2018, I’ve produced the honoree videos for the Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon presented by the Miami Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Miami).
In partnership with The Miami Foundation, and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the event, held this past November 7 at Jungle Island, brings together over 300 business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and changemakers to honor the individuals and organizations transforming the community through giving.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals was officially chartered by the state of New York on June 21, 1960 (it was originally called the National Society of Fund Raisers). Its goal was to aid, unite and promote those individuals engaged in the profession of fundraising. By the end of 1965, NSFR had almost 500 members from 26 states, including Hawaii; and by the end of 1999, membership surpassed 22,000 members in 157 chapters.
Today, the Association of Fundraising Professionals advances philanthropy through its 31,000 members in more than 240 chapters throughout the world. AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that have generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually. Which brings us back here to Miami.
Here are this year’s honorees…
In most honoree videos that I produce, it’s the honoree that’s interviewed and at the event, the video is played (in lieu of a speech – which can get lengthy). For AFP Miami, the video segments feature representatives from various nonprofit organizations who have directly benefited from the honoree(s). Similar to past years, the video segments were filmed inside the media studio of the Pérez Art Museum Miami) where I conducted the interviews – pretty much all of them on the same day (a remarkable feat of scheduling by event producer Arely Ruiz, CEO of Arely PR).
But after each honoree segment is done, I go off the script and ask them another question: How important is philanthropy? Especially in Miami, where nearly half a million Miami-Dade households are either in or one emergency away from falling into poverty – with children, people with disabilities, and veterans at highest risk.
Here is a collection of their answers…
National Philanthropy Day was originally conceived of and organized by California tax lawyer Douglas Freeman in the 1980s. His lifelong work has revolved around advising high-net-worth individuals and families, public and private foundations and nonprofit institutions – with an emphasis on philanthropy. His efforts led to then President Ronald Reagan proclaiming November 15th National Philanthropy Day®
Special thanks to Arely Ruiz of Arely PR for her trust and confidence in what I do year after year (and for being an absolute joy to work with). Another “thank you” to Christine Perez, CFRE, President of AFP Miami Chapter for her continued support.
AFP Miami celebrates National Philanthropy Day with a luncheon every November 1st, you can view the honorees and program HERE.
Here are all the videos I produced, should you be interested…