National Philanthropy Day recognizes contributions to communities
_BY DR. JULIA _EAST President & CEO, Southwest Florida Community Foundation
Thursday, Nov. 15 is National Philanthropy Day. This special day has been set aside for the last 22 years to recognize those who have contributed to our lives and our communities through their philanthropic giving.
Why do we celebrate philanthropy?
Consider the impact philanthropy makes and the ever increasing role it plays in our community, our country and our world - billions of dollars are given every year to millions of programs and services all over the world. Fostering philanthropy allows us to connect people to causes, builds civic participation and improves the quality of life for all.
No matter how large or small your contributions are they matter to the strengthening of our community.
Local celebrations
Today, the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Collier County and Gulfshore Media are recognizing individuals and businesses in this community for their dedication and service to philanthropy at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon in Bonita Springs.
The 2007 Philanthropists being honored are: Berne Davis, Outstanding Philanthropist; Jay and Patty Baker, Outstanding Philanthropists; Jim and Linda Malone, Outstanding Philanthropic Fundraisers; Bonita Bay Residents, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers; Primitivo Garza, Outstanding Youth; Preferred Travel, Outstanding Small Business; and Chico's, Outstanding Large Business.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15.
Saying thank you to our donors and supporters every year, and letting them know what the Community Foundation has accomplished in the past year, is one of our most important tasks. For more than 30 years, the Community Foundation has been and will continue to be the leading resource in Southwest Florida for compassionate and flexible charitable giving as a direct result of the passion and commitment of our donors and volunteers.
Giving Back
We are coming into the holiday season and many of us make giving of ourselves part of our holiday tradition. With more than 400 nonprofit organizations in Southwest Florida and even more churches and civic organizations, there are many opportunities to share your time, talents and treasures with those who need them most.
There are many ways to positively impact your community. It could be through an annual giving program, an endowed fund supporting an area of the community you are passionate about or as simple as volunteering for one of the many organizations in our community.
No matter what it is you do please consider supporting Southwest Florida through a charitable act this holiday season.
Philanthropy is a vital and important part of our community success.
The Southwest Florida Community Foundation has been supporting the communities of Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades and Hendry through endowed funds for 30 years. With assets of more than $57 million and 314 endowed funds, the community foundation has provided more than $30 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves. For more information, please call 274-5900, or visit the Web site at www.floridacommunity.com.
