More than 500 guests joined event cochairs Patrick Morris and Barbara Norland as they hosted the 29th annual National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon at Jungle Island.
In 1985, the Miami chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals initiated the nation’s first National Philanthropy Day event. Today, more than 50,000 people in 130 countries around the world participate in National Philanthropy Day celebrations. The luncheon pays tribute to Miami’s philanthropic community.
The event garners one of the largest crowds in local philanthropy. Rhiannon Ally, CBS4 news anchor, served as emcee and helped honor this year’s award winners:
Sonja Zuckerman, Lifetime Achievement Award;
Jorge Perez, Outstanding Philanthropist Award;
David Lawrence Jr., Outstanding Volunteer Award;
Darlene Hanes, executive vice president and regional director, accepted the Julia Tuttle Award for Community Involvement and Corporate Citizenship on behalf of Macy’s;
Javier Soto, president and CEO, accepted the Outstanding Grant Maker Award on behalf of The Miami Foundation.
Sallie Byrd, chapter past president presented the Joyce Galya Scholarship to Leana Cianfoni, assistant director of annual giving at the University of Miami.
The event also featured a dynamic video produced by Aaron Glickman of Socialmiami.com with clips from community leaders (representing the nominating organizations) including Senator Paul Steinberg on behalf of Sonja Zuckerman; Thom Collins, director at PAMM on behalf of Jorge Perez; Dr. Pedro J. Greer on behalf of David Lawrence Jr.; Marilyn March, executive director at The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade on behalf of Macy’s, and Richard Milstein, board member Performing Arts Center Trust on behalf of The Miami Foundation.
