Fundraising Professionals take part in philanthropy day

A handful of North Louisiana leaders will be honored 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15 at East Ridge Country Club for their work to further philanthropy in North Louisiana during the National Philanthropy Luncheon.

The luncheon is sponsored by the North Louisiana Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as part of the organization’s National Philanthropy Day.

“National Philanthropy Day is about celebrating people in our community whose generosity has made possible the work of so many nonprofits from food banks, Health Clinics and shelters to the arts, opera, symphony and so many more,” said Simone Hennessee, executive director of Providence House and a member of the North Louisiana Chapter of AFP.

Hennessee is also a spokesperson for the upcoming event.

“Our donors and philanthropists are illustrations of a life lived full of passion, compassion, generosity, kindness,” she said.

The mission of AFP is to advance philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. AFP accomplishes its mission through educational training, including conferences and a leadership academy. Founded in 1960, AFP’s 233 chapters and 30,000 members are located throughout the world. November 15 is the day set aside by the association for its chapters to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – to the enrichment of the world.

National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has on the fabric of society, according to the organization’s website. Each year AFP honors individuals and groups who, through their hard work and dedication, have enhanced philanthropy, their communities and the world, providing acknowledgement and motivation for continued philanthropic activities. This year’s local recipients were selected based on their work to further philanthropy in North Louisiana.

“These volunteers and professionals in our community reflect the true spirit of generosity, creative leadership, team building and commitment to our community,” Hennessee said.

To be honored as an Outstanding Philanthropist is George Nelson, who inspires generosity and leadership in others by setting an example of personal giving and volunteering across a wide spectrum of nonprofits, including Centenary College, the United Way and the Public Affairs Research Council.

To be honored as an Outstanding Philanthropic Organization is Shreveport-Bossier Disabled Veterans Chapter 30, which has given to a variety of nonprofit organizations in the past year, totaling more than $103,000, in addition to its commitment to providing independent assistance to veterans and their widows.

To be honored as an Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer are David and Claudia Oliver who are recognized as donors and volunteers to many nonprofits, including United Way, Women of Community Renewal, March of Dimes, the Junior League of Shreveport Bossier, the American Red Cross and HOPE for the Homeless.

To be honored as Outstanding Fundraising Executive is Janet Mentesane, executive director of the historic Martin Luther King Health Center. In 2012, the Martin Luther King Health Center was awarded the Community Return on Investment Award for Northwest Louisiana by providing over $8 million in value to the community with a budget of less than $500,000.

The President’s Award will be presented to Saul and Jean Mintz, for their support of LSU Health Shreveport and LSU Health Sciences Foundation, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, ULM Booster Club, ULM Foundation, Carolyn Rose Rehabilitation Center and the St. Francis Medical Center, among other nonprofits.

The North Louisiana Chapter of AFP began in 1989 and is based in Shreveport. National Philanthropy Day was first celebrated in 1986 when then-President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation officially recognizing Nov. 15, 1986, as National Philanthropy Day. Since then, the day has been recognized by numerous state, provincial and local governments across North America.

This year, more than 100 events, from award ceremonies to galas, luncheons and seminars will involve more than 50,000 people across North America on Nov. 15.

Though the Association of Fundraising Professionals is the main sponsor of the National Philanthropy Day, chapters work with local charitable and community organizations to conduct their local events.

– Tammy Sharp

WANT TO GO?

To make a reservation to attend the luncheon, contact Rozann Frey by Nov. 2 at 318-212-2643 or [email protected]. Cost for individual tickets is $40 each; a table of eight, $400; a table of ten, $450. Valet parking will be available.