Nora Gunn, CFRE
Somewhere between the pumpkin pie and the holiday presents, tens of thousands of people in our community will take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. It is the season for giving, and the most important month for our profession. About one-third of all donations are made during December.
To those of us in the field, it’s no surprise that the United States was recently named the world’s most charitable nation. This generosity, resourcefulness and spirit was recognized worldwide by the 2013 World Giving Index which noted a higher proportion of Americans helped a stranger than any other country and, overall, the percentage of people donating money, volunteering time, and helping others is growing.
On Tuesday, the emphasis on giving was even more prevalent as AFP joined more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations that galvanized throughout the country to persuade their supporters to give time or money on “#Giving Tuesday.” The increase in participants helped double online donations from $12-million to $21-million according to early estimates.
This great news comes on the heels of more celebration. In November, many of you joined us for the annual AFP Suncoast Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day event presented by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. We recognized Cherie Schonbrun, Volunteer of the Year, who is known for her servant’s heart; we cheered Youth in Philanthropy awardee Matthew Baar, who was busy raising money to help kids like his brother Joey who had Downs Syndrome, open heart surgery and leukemia when Matthew was diagnosed with cancer himself; we applauded The Pinellas Auxiliary of the Children’s Home for their philanthropic service to providing children a better tomorrow; we appreciated small business owner Susan Benjamin for her commitment to provide art for all economic levels; we commended the Tampa Bay Rays role in giving to the community and teaching others to do the same; we saluted Karen Dalton for her unique approach to advancing philanthropy; and, we were inspired by the words of Philanthropist of the Year Sandy McKinnon who said the world is a better place when people give. In all, more than 100 communities and 50,000 people around the globe participated in NPD celebrations.
This month, the merriment continues when we present the J. Lloyd Horton Lifetime Achievement Award to Jane Arnett and bestow the inaugural Janet Ware Memorial Scholarship to Bryn Warner. As 2013 and my year as President come to an end, I certainly have a lot to reflect on and be grateful for. Foremost, I would like to extend my personal gratitude to our Board of Directors and committees for the countless volunteer hours dedicated to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, and education in our Chapter and our community. Additionally, I thank each and every member for recognizing the important role AFP plays in fostering the development and growth of fundraising professionals. Without a strong and vibrant membership, we could not be the resource we are for so many.
In the temper of an ancient proverb: May generosity fill your soul, may truth always be your compass, may patience be your shield and may love and respect be your signature. Happy Holidays to you all!
Nora Gunn, CFRE
2013 AFP Suncoast President
Vice President, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation & St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation
Phone: 813 872 0979
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