Press release from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter, shared Oct. 31:
ASHEVILLE — The Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter, in partnership with Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, will celebrate National Philanthropy Day on Thursday, Nov. 14, to honor generous contributors and the causes they impact in WNC.
Among the categories recognized will be outstanding philanthropist, outstanding volunteer fundraiser, outstanding fundraising executive, outstanding youth in philanthropy, outstanding business in philanthropy, outstanding foundation, and the T. Kennon Roberson Award for Nonprofit Management Excellence.
National Philanthropy Day is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy and those people active in the philanthropic community have made to our lives, our communities and our world.
Locally, the AFP’s Western North Carolina Chapter has been celebrating National Philanthropy Day since 1992. During the past 22 years, they have recognized more than 100 individuals, companies and organizations for their commitment to philanthropy in Western North Carolina.
Approximately 300 individuals attend the Asheville luncheon annually to recognize outstanding individuals, corporations, foundations and professionals who exhibit excellence in promoting philanthropy. All previous winners, ranging over the event’s 22-year history, are invited to attend to honor this year’s recipients.
This year’s event will celebrate the remarkable contributions of Charlotte Street Computers (Outstanding Business), Don Harris (Outstanding Fundraising Executive), Western North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (Outstanding Foundation), Cissie Stevens (Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser), Mack Pearsall (Outstanding Philanthropist), Pageant Nevel (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy) and Paul Vest (the T. Kennon Roberson Award for Nonprofit Management Excellence).
The National Philanthropy Day luncheon will be held at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel Ballroom from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Tickets are $30 with a reservation by Nov. 7, after which time they will increase to $40, and are for sale online at www.afpwnc.org/national-philanthropy-day.