Worry, worry, worry. That’s what many nonprofits do when it comes to the next generation of fundraisers and volunteers. Are the millennials going to pick up where the baby boomers and their predecessors left off in supporting charities and the community? One organization not fretting is The Dallas Foundation, which is saluting the under-40-set with its Good Works Under 40 program. To kick off the nomination submissions on Thursday, July 17, they had a birthday party, but not just any old birthday party. Here’s a report from the field:
“On Thursday, July 17, The Dallas Foundation kicked off their fifth annual Good Works Under 40 (GWU40) award nominations like never before – with a service project that truly celebrated volunteerism and philanthropy.
“Hosted at Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway center, over 20 volunteers from the GWU40 advisory committee, a volunteer group of emerging civic leaders in Dallas, as well as past award finalist teamed up with The Birthday Party Project to throw a birthday party for seven homeless children.
“Themed ‘Anchors Aweigh!’, the party was decked out in red, white and blue décor and included a wide array of birthday activities such as limbo, arts and crafts, birthday cake and live entertainment from committee member/2013 finalist J Mack Slaughter.
Courtney Underwood, Tonya Muraguri, Liz Healy and Roberto Moreno*
“The volunteers included: 2011 winner Courtney Underwood; 2011 finalists Gloria Alfaro, Akilah Wallace and committee member Liz Healy; 2013 finalists Brittany Byrd, Cassie Evans and Stephen Holley; committee members Rebekah Kay, Loren Koziol and Tony Muraguri and Advisory Committee Chair Roberto Morena.
Loren Koziol and Stephen Holley*
“The Dallas Foundation plans to continue this tradition in the years to come as a way to celebrate young philanthropist and encourage others to become more involved in their community.
“GWU40 is an annual awards program that recognizes North Texas’ most committed, skilled and passionate volunteers under the age of 40. The award, co-presented by The Dallas Foundation and The Dallas Morning News, includes an $8,000 donation to the winner’s favorite charity. Four finalists will receive $3,000 checks for their nonprofit agencies. Nominations for this year’s award will be accepted between July 17 and August 21. The winner will be announced at a reception at Old Parkland on November 3. Award guidelines and the application are available at dallasfoundation.org.
“The Dallas Foundation, established as a community foundation in 1929, serves as a leader, catalyst and resource for philanthropy by providing donors with flexible means of making gifts and bequests, the income from which primarily supports the charitable causes of the city and county of Dallas. For more information, visit dallasfoundation.org.”
* Photo credit: Jason Janik