National Philanthropy Day is the one day of the year when the professional fundraisers come together to celebrate the very act of fundraising itself. In North Texas where nonprofits flourish because of these folks, the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon is an all smiles occasion.And this year it fell on Friday the 13th of November. Here is a report from the field:
Scott Murray, Nancy Strauss Halbreich, James Falk, Kendall Deitch, Francie Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody, Cecilia and Garrett Boone and Michelle Thomas*
The Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 30th Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, held Friday, November 13, at the Hyatt downtown, celebrated seven of Dallas’ finest, working tirelessly to make our community a better place. This year’s awards honored Cecilia and Garrett Boone as Outstanding Philanthropists; Nancy Strauss Halbreich as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; James N. Falk, CFRE, as Outstanding Fundraising Executive; The Moody Foundation as Outstanding Foundation; JPMorgan Chase & Co. as Outstanding Corporation; Kendall Deitch as Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy; as Scott Murray, the event’s emcee since 2001, with the Special Recognition Award.
Ross Moody, Francie Moody-Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg
Event Chair Sarah Elliott thanked the “lovely and humble Nancy Dedman” for agreeing to be this event’s first honorary chair. A past recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, “Nancy is the epitome of this city’s generous spirit.” Elliott then announced today to the crowd of 523 that the luncheon had raised $85,000 toward AFP’s continuing education programs that support ethical fundraising and responsible gift stewardship.
Paul Dunne, of the AFP International Board of Directors, made a few remarks about the history of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, followed by recognition of key sponsors by the 2015 AFP Greater Dallas Chapter Board President Diana Marquis, Janet and Wyatt Davis of Clarkson Davis, Susan Swan Smith of the Communities Foundation of Texas, Karen Waller of Dini Spheris and Dr. Joe May of the Dallas County Community College District Foundation.
In honor of the anniversary, this year’s event welcomed a diamond level sponsor: Jeanie Wyatt, president & CEO of South Texas Money Management, who was presented with AFP’s special 30th anniversary diamond award on stage.
For lunch, guests enjoyed a port wine poached bosc pear filled with parsnip blue cheese mousse, bibb lettuce, endives, and sugar frosted pecans with tangerine coconut dressing; a dual entrée of pumpkin spiced beef short ribs and chicken piccata in egg crust over corn masa pudding, brussel sprouts, and honey glazed carrots; and for dessert, mascarpone cheesecake and peppery berry salad.
Nancy Dedman and Nancy Halbreich
KERA, the event’s presenting sponsor, filmed videos again this year of the award recipients speaking prior to receiving their awards. One of the most memorable was Nancy Halbreich’s, which she began by saying “this award is about others who are here today.” She went on to say she began working on Parkland eight years ago – back when she was “blonde and voluptuous,” to the chuckles of the crowd. She added that most good things are collaborative and that she was a part of great team, calling out Don Glendenning’s name. She said that she had never worked as hard on anything as she did on the Parkland campaign and explained why she did – recounting the stories of three patients whose lives were changed from the care they received at Parkland. One moving story was about a young girl whose home caught on fire from a candle. Knowing how hard her mother worked to have the home, instead of leaving, she tried to put the fire out and was seriously burned in the process. Halbreich closed by recounting her philosophy that “if even one life has breathed easier because you lived, then you have been a success.”
Kendall Deitch and Richard and Janese Deitch
The Youth in Philanthropy Award, always a highlight of the event, honored Kendall Deitch, 18, a senior at Highland Park High School, who began a program called Big Sister’s Closet in which she and other friends donate their gently used clothing to fifth grade girls at L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School. One day each spring, about 25 fifth graders come to the library after school and are greeted by racks of clothes and about 25 older girls. “For these girls, many direct immigrants from Africa and Central America, the shopping is fun, but the true joy of the experience comes from hanging out with the older girls for a stereotypical American teenager afternoon – shopping laughing, dancing, and snacking.” Big Sister’s Closet turns a potentially stressful problem into a fun afternoon, allowing the girls to enjoy themselves while meeting their need for clothes. Deitch already has a freshman ready to take on the leadership of this program after she graduates. She closed her remarks with this thought, “I represent the fact that an average person can make a difference in another person’s life.”
Scott Murray and Kendall Deitch*
Scott Murray, a longtime fan of the Youth in Philanthropy Award, stopped Deitch before she exited the stage with a few questions including what she’d do if she could change one thing. Her answer was to make others, especially young people who may be living in sheltered environments, more aware of the many problems in the world so they could take the initiative to impact change and make life better for others in need.
Carole and Scott Murray
The program concluded with the special recognition award presented to Scott Murray. Judy Wright, the 2016 AFP Dallas Board President, relieved him of his duties at the podium. She spoke of how during his years in broadcasting, “Scott is known for his long-term involvement in the Dallas nonprofit sector, participating in thousands of events over the last 35 years and helping to raise millions of dollars for many charitable causes.” She then introduced a surprise for Scott as his son Doug Murray walked out onto the stage to present the 2015 Special Recognition Award to his father.
Attendees included past Outstanding Philanthropists Ruth Altshuler, Nancy Dedman (who was also this year’s honorary chair), Mary Terry, and Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers Caren Prothro, Janie McGarr, and Carol Seay. Also in the crowd were Louise Eiseman, Don Glendenning, Jan Rees-Jones, Elaine Agather, and Florence Shapiro.
Scott Murray’s closing statement – one he uses to conclude each of his broadcast shows – seemed an appropriate parting thought: “Always remember to live your life as a go-getter, but never forget to share your life as a go-giver.”
* Photos provided by Greater Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals