Welcome to the 37th Annual National Philanthropy Day & Awards Celebration benefiting the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter! We thank you for your support as we gather to honor and celebrate outstanding philanthropic leaders, who have invested their passion, time, talents, and financial support to better our community.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 30,000 members in over 240 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. Each year, across the nation, the Association sets aside this day to recognize and celebrate the individuals, companies and organizations whose contributions have made a difference in our community.
We extend our sincerest congratulations to our 2024 National Philanthropy Day Honorees: Dara & Jarrett Levan, BBX Capital Foundation, JM Family Enterprises, Howard Talenfeld, Alica Brown, Traci Allyn Shur, CFRE, Aakash Suresh and Matthew Wanless. I would like to sincerely thank the Board of Directors for your service to AFP and your commitment to serve others. Special thanks and appreciation for the NPD Committee for an amazing job; I am incredibly grateful. Thank you to our corporate partners for supporting this important work and making today so successful.
We hope you leave today’s event inspired and uplifted by the profound impact these exemplary honorees have made in Broward County. Having the opportunity to recognize these individuals and organizations has been an honor and privilege.
With gratitude,
Jim DeChant
Jim DeChant Broward College Foundation President, AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter
Officers
President
Jim DeChant, MBA, Broward College Foundation
Past President
Vanessa Seltzer, ARC Broward
Secretary /Treasurer
Paul Keefe, PhilanthroPros
Directors
Tony Beall, Mister Nonprofit
Shu Zen Bernardin, Nova Southeastern University
Andria Cunningham, MSW, CFRE, Nova Southeastern University
Kamilah Jones, MPA, Nonprofit Consultant
Debbie Levine, CFRE, Boca Raton Police Foundation
Lorraine Shim, Nova Southeastern University
Traci Allyn Shur, CFRE, Nonprofit Consultant
Carolina Veira, Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Cameron Warrick, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County
Chair
Jim DeChant, MBA, Broward College Foundation
Committee
Tony Beall, Mister Nonprofit Consultancy
Andria Cunningham, Nova Southeastern University
Devin Ginas, Seafarers’ House
Aimee Fretwell, YMCA
DeAnn Hazey, CFRE, Innovative Resources Group
Kamilah Jones, Consultant
Paul Keefe, Philanthropros
Debbie Levine, CFRE, Boca Raton Police Foundation
Traci Allyn Shur, CFRE, Nonprofit Consultant
Carolina Veira, Habitat for Humanity of Broward
Cameron Warrick, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Recognition of Sponsors
President’s Award
Lunch
Presentation of Awards
Outstanding Youth In Philanthropy Award
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
Outstanding Foundation
Philanthropists of the Year
Outstanding Corporation
Outstanding Fundraising Executive
President’s Award
Traci Allyn Shur, CFRE
Nominated by AFP Past Presidents
Outstanding Youth In Philanthropy
Aakash Suresh & Matthew Wanless
Nominated by Joshua’s Heart Foundation
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser
Howard M. Talenfeld
Nominated by Florida Children’s First
Outstanding Corporation
JM Family Enterprises
Nominated by Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Broward College Foundation and United Way of Broward County
Outstanding Foundation
BBX Capital Foundation
Nominated by Broward Health Foundation
Philanthropists of the Year
Dara & Jarett Levan
Nominated by Community Foundation of Broward
Outstanding Fundraising Executive
Alica Brown
Nominated by Urban League of Broward County
Kimberly Sarni
As Managing Director of South Florida Business & Wealth (SFBW) and South Florida Legal Guide (SFLG), Kim Sarni spearheads advertising and marketing initiatives for the magazine. A New York native, with a degree in business administration and 20 years in the advertising industry, Kim brings to bear a fluent, comprehensive sense of the market and its ever-growing needs. Before joining SFBW in 2021, Kim forged a career at the forefront of advertising in both digital and print, as director of sales for such companies as The Wall Street Journal and CFO Publishing. She then assumed the role of national sales manager for the Business Journals, based in New York City.
Kim’s talents for utilizing events to grow business inform her work for SFBW and the SFLG, as she also oversees the sales side of an expansive portfolio of live and online events, from awards competitions such as Excellence in Health Care, Up & Comers and Apogee, to SFBW’ s ever-popular CEO Connects and Round Table events. On a daily basis, and always with a sense of enthusiasm, Kim oversees sales and marketing teams, setting and regularly exceeding benchmarks at Lifestyle Media Group.
PHILANTHROPIST(S) OF THE YEAR
2023 MonaPittenger
2022 Jean Colker
2021 Cathy and JamesDonnelly
2020 Phyllis and Al Thomas
2019 Elaine and Jon Krupnick
2018 Kathy and Ron Assaf
2017 Susie and Alan Levan
2016 Angel Palank-Sharlet
2015 Helene and Stephen Weicholz
2023 UKG
2022 HCA Healthcare,East FloridaDivision
2021 CityFurniture
2020 AutoNation
2019 Wells Fargo
2018 Florida Power & Light Company
2017 Ultimate Software
2016 Breakthru Beverage
2015 Florida Blue
2014 ADT
2018 Duree & Company
2017 WKIS 99.9 FM
2023 Lennar Foundation
2022 Our Fund Foundation
2021 The Hudson Family Foundation
2019 Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation
2018 Moss Foundation
2017 In Jacob's Shoes
2016 Funding Arts Broward (FAB!)
2015 Lillian S. Wells Foundation
2014 The Salah Foundation
2013 Sun Sentinel Children's Fund
2012 Florida Panthers Foundation
2011 Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
2009 The Jim Moran Foundation
2014 Francie Bishop Good
2013 Lou and May Jean Wolff
2012 Kathryn and Roy Krause
2011 Mark J. Gordon
2010 Elizabeth "BJ" Buntrock
2009 Don Taft
2007 Rick and Rita Case
2006 The Fernandez Family
2005 Miss Mary Porter
OUTSTANDING LARGE CORPORATION
2013 Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD
2012 Holland & Knight/Midtown Athletic
2011 Target
2010 Carnival Cruise Lines
2008 Jarden Consumer Solutions
2007 Rick Case Automotive Group
2006 Citrix Systems, Inc.
2005 AutoNation/Maroone
2004 City Furniture
2003 Stiles Corporation
OUTSTANDING SMALL CORPORATION
2015 Goodyear Blimp BasePompano Beach
OUTSTANDING FOUNDATION
2008 Peacock Foundation
2007 The Wasie Foundation
2006 Josephine S. Leiser Foundation
2005 Andy Roddick Foundation
2004 BankAtlantic Foundation
2003 Elbert E. and Birdie W. Einstein Fund
2002 The Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation
2001 Joe Sonken Charitable Trust
2000 Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Broward County
1999 Community Foundation of Broward
2004 Janet Boyle
2003 Rose Miniaci and Lorraine Thomas
2002 Steve Halmos
2001 John C. Graves, Ph.D.
2000 Margaret Adderley Kelly
1999 Ned and Suzie Allen
1998 Joseph and Winifred Amaturo
1997 The Gill Family
1996 Jim and Jan Moran
2002 Publix Super Markets
2001 American Express
2000 Bank of America
1999 SunTrust Bank, South Florida
1998 Republic Industries, Inc.
1997 First Union National Bank
1996 Blockbuster Entertainment Group
1995 Wheelabrator Environmental Group
1994 Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
1993 JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
2014 Orange Bowl Committee
2010 BrightStar Credit Union
1998 Folke H. Peterson Foundation
1997 Health Foundation of South Florida
1996 A.D. Henderson Foundation
1995 The Dan Marino Foundation
1994 McCormick Tribune Foundation
1993 Leo Goodwin Foundation
1992 John E. and Nellie J. Bastien Memorial Foundation
1991 The Emil Buehler Trust and Foundation
2023 Julie Selvaggi
2022 Nancy Thies
2021 Lorraine Shim
2019 DeAnn Hazey, CFRE
2018 Meredith Feder, CFRE
2017 April Kirk
2016 Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D
2015 Dennis Steffanaci, ACFRE
2014 Jennifer Stewart, CFRE
2023 Jonathan Allen
2022 Lois Herman
2021 Rick Latta
2020 Chad Van Horn, Esq.
2019 Jeff and Cindy Conine
2018 Steven J. Halmos
2017 Lloyd F. Rhodes
2016 Hal Herman
2015 Bob Birdsong
2023 AmoghBaranwal
2022StellaPotenti
2021 Delaney and Hadley Robertson
2020 Savannah Courtenay
2019 Colin Wanless
2018 Joshua Williams
2021 Morningday Community Solutions
2020 Rotary Club of Weston & Michael Freedland, Esq.
2022 Peggy Calhoun, ACFRE
2020 Linda Carter
2015 Dr. Lourdes Martinez Cowgill
2014 Mary Reidel
2013 Rose Miniaci
2011 Doris K. Sipos, CFRE
2023 Diana Metcalf
2019 Lisa Boccard (posthumously)
2018 Broward Education Foundation
2013 Debbie Levine, CFRE
2012 Diane Metcalf
2010 Berne Teeple
2009 Rick Schuster
2008 Barbara Witte
2007 Sally Gress, CFRE
2006 Kathryn J. Cousins, CFRE
2005 Joanne Nowlin Welch, CFRE
2004 Lynn Croneberger, CFRE
2003 Ann McElwain
2002 Doris K. Sipos, CFRE
2001 Judy Bowen
2000 Jon M. Fitzgerald
1999 Eli Jordfald, CFRE
1998 Ethelind Altman Wiener, CFRE
1997 Mary M. Bymel, CFRE
1996 Leslie W. Brown, CFRE
1995 Jan C. Crocker
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER
2014 Heather Geronemus
2013 Glen Wenzimer
2012 Denise & Peter Wittich
2011 Paul Sallarulo
2010 Andrew Cagnetta
2009 Janet Davis
2008 Douglas and Linda VonAllmen
2007 Glenda Abbate
2006 Virginia "Ginny" Miller
2005 Robert C. Radice
2004 Carrie and David Schulman
2003 Judy Thiel
2002 Ellyn F. Walters
2001 Robert Amchir
2000 A. Nicholas Masi, PhD and Wendy Masi, PhD
1999 Leonard Robbins
1998 James Blosser and David Horvitz
OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY
2017 Alexis Masciarella
2016 Ashley Stultz
2015 Chase Polyak
2014 Robert Calhoun
2013 Christopher George, Jr.
2012 Bronsen Bloom
OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION
2017 Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale
2014 Coral Springs Community Chest
2010 American Heritage Pre-Med Society
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
2010 Richard G Miller
2009 Leslie W. Brown, CFRE (posthumously)
2008 Robert Elmore
2007 Jim and Jan Moran
2006 Fran Payne
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
2011 Arlene Pecora
2010 The Wasie Foundation
2011 Rachel Wheeler
2010 Taylor Taskey
2009 Katie Masi
2008 Ben Bibliowicz
2007 Rebecca Schultz
2006 Jordana Contrucci
2009 East Broward Auxiliary of Children's Home Society
2008 Seminole Tribe of Florida
2005 Nancy Strom (posthumously)
2002 Dr. Clifford P. Hoch (posthumously)
2001 Lois Deicke (posthumously)
1992 Dr. William R. Cumerford
2009 The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Traci Allyn Shur, CFRE
Nominated by AFP Past Presidents
Traci Allyn Shur is an accomplished executive known for her exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication to advancing community impact. As a long-time board member of the AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter and a valued professional with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Traci has demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of fundraising, development, and management. Her expertise in securing corporate sponsorships and building long-term relationships with key philanthropic partners has been pivotal in driving successful initiatives and expanding the reach of the organizations she serves.
With a deep commitment to mission-driven work, Traci has led capital campaigns and special gift efforts, bringing an impressive array of events to life from Black-Tie Balls and golf tournaments to community walkathons. Her positive attitude and genuine ability to inspire others to engage in important causes make her an invaluable leader within AFP and the broader philanthropic community. Traci’s superior work ethic and attention to detail are matched only by her dedication to building, retaining, and mentoring talented staff, ensuring that each team she leads is empowered and driven to make a difference.
Awarded this year’s President’s Award by AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter, an honor selected by past chapter presidents, Traci is recognized for her extensive contributions to AFP and the community. Her work with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation reflects her passion for enhancing lives, advocating for greater support, and creating sustainable change. Traci’s leadership, kindness, and unwavering support make her a true beacon in philanthropy, inspiring all who work with her to contribute meaningfully to the world .
Aakash Surash
Nominated
by
Joshua’s Heart Foundation
Aakash Suresh, a dedicated student at UC Berkeley focusing on Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has shown remarkable commitment to philanthropy and community service. As Vice Chair of Joshua's Heart Foundation (JHF), Aakash played a pivotal role in leading initiatives aimed at combating hunger and food insecurity. His leadership and enthusiasm were instrumental in organizing food drives, managing volunteer efforts, and creating data-driven solutions to address community needs.
Aakash's contributions have been recognized on numerous platforms. He is a proud recipient of the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholarship, the Elks Scholarship, the Hormel "10 Under 20" Food Hero award, The Silver Knight award, The Daily Points of Light award, The Presidents Volunteer Service award to name a few, all of which highlight his academic excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others.
Aakash continues to blend his passion for technology with his commitment to social good, aiming to create innovative solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Matthew Wanless
Nominated by Joshua’s Heart Foundation
Matthew Wanless is a senior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. He is honored and humbled to receive the award of Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy as a result of his work with Joshua’s Heart Foundation. Matthew has been volunteering since he was five years old. He has fed over 7,200 families. He has also provided over 208,000 pounds of food, 174,050 meals, 2,344 books, 1,565 bunches of flowers, 6,077 pounds of clothes and 8,187 toiletries to families. Matthew has received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Going the Extra Mile Award, and Daily Points of Light Award for his volunteer efforts. He enjoys playing soccer with his team and recently received third team recognition from the Miami Herald in their list of Broward All County Athletes for the 2023-2024 winter season. Matthew enjoys spending quality time with his friends and hopes to study business in college.
Volunteering has meant the world to Matthew. He genuinely loves receiving a smile from any family he has helped along the way. Joshua’s Heart Foundation has taught him you are never too young to make a difference. He hopes to mentor others and apply the skills he has learned through Joshua’s Heart to stomp out hunger and reduce the cycle of poverty in college and into the future.
Howard Talenfeld
Nominated by Florida’s Children First
Howard Talenfeld has been a transformative leader for children in Florida, particularly those in the foster care and at-risk youth systems. As the founder, Board President, and primary fundraiser for Florida’s Children First (FCF) since 2002, Howard has built FCF into Florida’s premier advocate for child welfare, impacting thousands of children annually. Under his leadership, FCF has raised millions, built a dedicated board and staff, and inspired statewide improvements in policies and resources for foster youth. His achievements include landmark changes in foster care policy, such as securing $3.5 million annually for expanded “After Care” benefits and increasing college tuition support for over 8,000 homeless and foster youth.
Howard is also the driving force behind FCF’s annual “Outstanding Child Advocate Awards” event, raising $200,000 annually. His fundraising efforts since the pandemic alone generated $1.5 million, plus $750,000 in pro-bono support. In addition, he has actively promoted child welfare education, overseeing initiatives like Florida Youth SHINE, which provides leadership and life-skills training, and free training workshops for over 1,000 child welfare professionals each year.
Beyond FCF, Howard’s leadership has positively impacted many organizations, including the Broward Children’s Services Council, where he played a pivotal role in securing $60 million in annual funding for child welfare services.
Nominated by Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Broward College Foundation and United Way of Broward County
JM Family Enterprises exemplifies the spirit of corporate philanthropy through its dedication to community impact, social responsibility, and equity. Founded in 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, the company has grown into a diverse conglomerate, yet remains deeply committed to supporting communities locally and across the U.S. Through the Jim Moran Foundation and JM Family Enterprises Foundation, the company has contributed millions of dollars to nonprofits, emphasizing education, healthcare, housing, and social justice. Their commitment to addressing systemic issues extends beyond financial support JM Family collaborates with United Way and local foundations, tailoring programs to meet unique community needs. JM Family has raised over $16 million for United Way of Broward County through volunteerism and substantial donations, including support for the MISSION UNITED veterans’ program and ReadingPals literacy initiative.
Education is central to their mission, with investments in scholarships, learning centers, and mentoring programs to empower youth and create lasting change. JM Family’ s innovative approach includes technology-driven initiatives for flexible learning, particularly in underserved areas. Diversity and inclusion are reflected both internally and in their community-focused efforts, advocating for equitable access and fostering resilient communities. They recently celebrated their 30 year partnership with the Broward College Foundation.
The spirit of philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the culture of JM Family Enterprises. The company encourages and supports its associates in their volunteer efforts, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Through volunteer programs and matching gift initiatives, associates are empowered to make a difference in the causes they care about.
Nominated
by
Broward Health Foundation
The BBX Capital Foundation is a vital philanthropic force in Broward County, dedicated to uplifting local communities and supporting nonprofit organizations across Florida. With over $20 million in financial contributions and in-kind support since its inception, the Foundation’s impact is felt deeply throughout Broward County. Their focus spans crucial areas, including education, food security, economic development, and community well-being, addressing fundamental needs to build a stronger, more resilient community.
Among their notable efforts, BBX Capital Foundation’s contributions to education empower thousands of students each year. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Foundation funds scholarships, school supply drives, and literacy programs, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. The Foundation’s annual support for food distribution initiatives has also been instrumental in combating food insecurity, enabling food pantries and community programs to reach families in need.
BBX Capital Foundation continues to impact the community also through Broward Health. Through Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC), a subsidiary of Broward Health that provides medical care to children with special needs, BBX Capital Foundation donated more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies for its annual Back-to-School Drive. The Foundation’s commitment to human services was also apparent thought its major sponsorship of CDTC's annual Thanksgiving Day Basket Brigade last year, providing 1,300 families caring for a child with special needs a complete holiday meal.
BBX Capital Foundation’s generosity extends to volunteerism and in-kind donations through brands like Hoffman’s Chocolates and IT'SUGAR, providing treats and resources that bring joy to various community events and fundraisers. The Foundation’s support reaches nonprofits across Broward, impacting lives and fostering a spirit of hope, connection, and opportunity. With each project and partnership, the BBX Capital Foundation continues to create meaningful change, making Broward County a healthier, more equitable, and vibrant place for all residents. Their dedication to community impact ensures that vital services and support are available to the individuals and families who need them most.
Dara & Jarett Levan
Nominated by Community Foundation of Broward
Dara and Jarett Levan are exemplary philanthropists, dedicated to enhancing Broward County through significant personal and corporate contributions. Their leadership and generosity foster love, empathy, and life changing impact for the community they call home. Since founding their first endowment at the Community Foundation of Broward, they have donated over $1 million to support the arts and mental health services. Their Dara and Jarett Levan Fund for the Arts fosters creativity and provides lasting support to local artists, while the Levan Fund for Mental Health and Well-Being addresses critical mental health needs, providing sustainable support for counseling and other services.
The Levans’ commitment extends beyond financial contributions. They are actively involved with the organizations they support, offering strategic guidance and volunteering their time. Jarett, a key figure in the arts community, has served as chairman of Business for the Arts of Broward. Through BBX Capital, Jarett also established a corporate fund to match donations up to $500K, encouraging businesses to engage in the arts. Most recently, their support funded iconic “Love” murals by artist Cey Adams, brightening neighborhoods and inspiring conversation. Dara serves on the board of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital/Memorial Hospital Foundations, and is the creator of Every Soul Has A Story® blog and released her first book, IT COULD BE WORSE this year.
Dara and Jarett Levan's unwavering dedication to enhancing the arts and supporting mental health in Broward County exemplifies the profound impact that committed philanthropy can have on a community. Through their substantial personal and corporate endowments, they have not only funded vital programs but also inspired a culture of giving and community engagement. Their visionary approach to philanthropy, focusing on both cultural enrichment and mental well-being, has left an indelible mark on the region.
Alica Brown
Nominated by
Urban League of Broward County
Alica Brown has dedicated more than 17 years to advancing the mission of the Urban League of Broward County, where she currently serves as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved remarkable success in brandbuilding, stakeholder engagement, and raising over $7 million in five years. Alica’s innovative approach to philanthropy led to the creation of the REDI to Lead Conference, a state-wide virtual event addressing social justice and community needs. This groundbreaking initiative established the Urban League as a thought leader, connecting business and philanthropic leaders to drive positive social impact across Broward County.
Alica’s ability to forge strategic partnerships has resulted in substantial support from multi-million-dollar corporations, strengthening their commitment to children and families. She is also the visionary behind the Urban League's Red Gala, a premier event that bolsters community ties and raises critical funds to support the League’ s programs.
Beyond her professional role, Alica is an active member of the AFP and is deeply invested in advancing philanthropy within Black and Brown communities. As part of the Greater Broward County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, she collaborates with leaders to deliver educational and cultural enrichment programs.
Alica’s commitment to professional growth extends to her team, encouraging ongoing education to meet the evolving demands of nonprofit work. Her leadership style is marked by mentorship, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. Through her dedication to ethical practices and community empowerment, Alica has set new standards for philanthropic excellence, inspiring transformation and meaningful change in countless lives across Broward County.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: Jim LaBate
Jim LaBate is a seasoned investor with over 40 years in the finance and investment fields. He has invested in, sponsored, and sold numerous companies funded through private equity and debt investment. Jim has also consulted, negotiated, and funded real estate projects throughout the Southeast United States. Active in the community, Jim is Board Chair at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. He is a past Chairman of the Broward College Foundation and Broward Community Foundation. Mr. LaBate is a resident of Fort Lauderdale and is married with two daughters.
Broward College Foundation: Reginald Andre
Reginald “Andre” Andre, founder and CEO of South Florida-based cybersecurity and IT company ARK Solvers, is a two-time Broward College graduate, earning A.S. degrees in Business Administration and Computer Networking. With approximately two decades of industry experience and a track record of exceptional leadership, Andre has shown an unwavering commitment to education and the Broward College community. He delivered the keynote speech at Broward College’s Fall 2023 Commencement ceremony and currently serves as a dedicated member of the Broward College Foundation Board of Directors, passionately advocating for scholarships, academic programs, and learning facility enhancements, driven by the goal of changing lives through education.
Broward House: The Warten Foundation
The Warten Foundation has long shared a strong commitment to Broward House’s mission. Originally established as the G Foundation by Fredrick Warten in 2004, the foundation was renamed Warten Foundation in June 2022 to honor Fred’s legacy after his passing in October 2021 at age 100. Following a storm that shut down two of our major facilities last year, they stepped up with a generous $200,000 donation and a $250,000 matching gift for the Rebuilding Home campaign. This support enabled the successful renovation of our facilities and the continuation of essential services for clients living with HIV and substance use disorders.
Canine Assisted Therapies: Nancy Lynn Brown
A South Florida resident for over 50 years, Nancy loves her community and expresses her passion by serving as a powerful force of change in the place she calls home. She is a phenomenally generous donor and community leader, both through her work as President of the Fritch Foundation as well as deploying her personal time and resources, making commitments to major campaigns, providing consistent general support and serving as a board member and Chair. Nancy demonstrates the importance of providing unrestricted support to meet ongoing operational needs, as well as making committed multi-year gifts for specific purposes, and invests time where needed most.
Gilda’s Club of South Florida: Kamilah Jones
Kamilah Jones is a highly respected nonprofit professional known for her dedication to community development and philanthropy. Serving on the board for the Planned Giving Council of Broward County, she actively promotes impactful giving strategies and works to build a sustainable future for local organizations. Kamilah is also involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she champions ethical fundraising and fosters growth among peers. Her dual roles in AFP and the Planned Giving Council reflect her commitment to advancing the nonprofit sector, empowering others, and creating lasting positive change throughout Broward County.
Henderson Behavioral Health: Gail Bouie
Gail Bouie has been an outstanding member of the Board of Directors since 2017 serving as Board Secretary and now Board Treasurer. She retired from The University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center where she served as Executive Director from 2014-2018 and previously worked at Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System. Gail has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a volunteer for Life Alliance following her recent kidney transplant. She is a true advocate for Henderson and responsible for not only making generous personal donations but raising significant financial donations from her fellow Sorority members and community connections .
Memorial Healthcare Foundation: Gene K. Glasser
With over 40 years of experience, Gene K. Glasser is one of a select group of attorneys recognized by The Florida Bar as a Board Certified Lawyer in the areas of Tax Law and Estate Planning and Administration. Board certification is the highest such rating of an attorney’s special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in a specific area of law and for professionalism and ethics in practice. Mr. Glasser is well known in the legal industry for his keen insight and extensive experience in handling the most complicated matters. He focuses his practice on tax law, estate planning and administration, and probate. Mr. Glasser is a partner at Greenspoon Marder.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is honored to celebrate Traci Allyn Shur, our exceptional Director of Philanthropy, as she receives the prestigious Presidential Award. Traci embodies integrity, compassion, and empathy in her work, consistently going above and beyond to support the MS community. Through her leadership, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives to secure vital funds, expand resources, and provide hope for those affected by multiple sclerosis. Her dedication and ability to inspire others have created meaningful impacts, not only within our organization but throughout the larger community. Today, we proudly celebrate Traci's commitment to making a difference.
Kelley Kronenberg: Howard Talenfeld
Howard M. Talenfeld serves as Partner and Practice Lead of the Justice for Kids Division, the firm’s nationally recognized practice focused on delivering critical legal services to vulnerable children. With a commitment to justice, this division advocates for abused, disabled, and catastrophically injured children who have suffered harm in various settings, including their homes, foster care, child welfare, group homes, and residential treatment centers. Under Howard’s leadership, Justice for Kids addresses the unique and complex needs of children harmed by others, working tirelessly to secure their rights and provide essential protections. His work has transformed countless lives.
The National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE) was officially chartered by the state of New York on June 1, 1960, but its actual beginnings were in the imagination and visions of three fundraisers in New York City - Benjamin Sklar of Brandeis University, William R. Simms of the National Urban League and Harry Rosen of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. They agreed to form a national society of fundraisers but realized they would need an individual with greater prestige and more recognizable credentials to provide leadership. Dr. Abel Hanson of Columbia Teacher’s College was their candidate. With the charter, the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE) was born.
The purposes the founders had in mind for the organization were outlined in the Articles of Incorporation:
• To aid fundraisers in the performance of their professional duties
• To unite those engaged in the profession of fundraising
• To formulate, promote and interpret to organizations, agencies and the public the objectives of fundraising and the role of those who practice it
• To promote and maintain high standards of public service and conduct
• To exchange ideas and experiences and to collect and disseminate information of value to fundraisers and the public
• To promote, sponsor and encourage study, research and instruction in the field of fundraising by means of courses in established institutions of learning and by other means
• To encourage and sponsor the granting of awards and fellowships in recognized institutions of learning for study and research in the field of fundraising
Dr. Hanson wrote: “It is probably too early to identify fundraising as a true profession. But it is clear that among those who serve the agencies of our free society as fundraisers, the desire to improve their work efforts is strong, and positive steps are being taken, of a professional nature, to enhance the effectiveness of the agencies they serve.
Today, AFP has initiated several interrelated projects to launch its next decade and lead the field of fundraising further toward the goal of being a true profession conducting ethical fundraising practices in support of philanthropy.
Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life.
To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:
To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.
To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the American Association of Fund Raising Council (AAFRC), Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). It has been endorsed by numerous organizations.
An Investment in Your Future In these challenging times, remember that you and your organization are not at the mercy of the economy. The decisions you make have more influence on your organization’s fundraising success than anything the economy might do. An immense amount of wealth continues to be created around the world, and opportunities abound for those with the necessary skills and training. To succeed, you must be sharper than ever, staying on top of new trends and best practices, bringing innovative and creative thinking to your organization and operating by the highest ethical imperatives. Now, more than ever, you must invest in yourself! And it’s your professional community, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, that can offer you the best resources at the best value for your membership dollar to help you and your organization succeed.
What can AFP provide to help you succeed?
AFP has partnered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to provide all members a free one-hour online negotiation workshop. Also, AFP has partnered with Korn Ferry for AFP360°, the free online career builder and management tool!
AFP's professional advancement programs and courses give every professional, no matter what level of experience they have, the opportunity to enrich their skills and add to their knowledge base. We also offer Blackbaud University to AFP Members for free. Whether you're a new fundraiser or need a refresh of basic fundraising and nonprofit skills, get free guidance with Blackbaud University.
AFP’ s Code of Ethics is the only enforceable code in the sector. Every member of AFP must sign the code each year and adhere to its standards and practices.
Members get free access to the AFP Compensation and Benefits Report where you can find benchmarking on fundraisers’ salaries, benefits and other compensation how does your position and location compare to the national average?
Members receive a discount to attend the AFP ICON held each spring which brings more than 3,000 fundraising professionals together and offers more than 100 educational sessions.
To help train you and your staff, members have access to the AFP Online Knowledge Center. You can register for upcoming webinars, Micro-Learning videos, AFP Fundamentals of Fundraising eLearning courses and along with other courses at a discounted member
rate. Free webinars are available to members from time to time as well.
Members can also take advantage of educational opportunities at your local chapter level. Local chapters are the heart of AFP networking and mentoring. The AFP Career Center can help you build and further your career. You can also find or become a mentor. Innovative ideas can be found in Advancing Philanthropy which is free to AFP members as well as our members only newsletter AFP Daily.
AFP Members receive an exclusive 20% discount to Giving USA 2020: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for all pre-order 2020 products, including print and digital packages, data tables, and a full PowerPoint you can use to share and explain the data trends with your fundraising staff and board of directors. Get the latest trends and analysis at The AFP Blog. The AFP Ready Reference series is free in PDF format to members.
The best training and education in the field. AFP offers a myriad of continuing educational opportunities for all fundraisers, regardless of experience level or specialty, and most can help you attain your certification to demonstrate your commitment to and expertise in the profession.
An Investment in Your Future
AFP is committed to your success and the success of your organization. There is no doubt that these are challenging times, but you still have the power to control your own fundraising career, and AFP can help.
Belonging to AFP sends an important message to the world that the fundraising profession is united and cares about issues such as ethics and public trust. We are committed to the highest level of service to our donors and the people we serve. We are proud of the work we do and are committed to changing the world.
By joining AFP, you stand united with more than 30,000 fundraisers, each member making our voice stronger and more powerful when speaking with the government and media around the world. And as your profession grows stronger, so too does its impact on the world. You and your organization can benefit from all of this.
So continue to invest in yourself. Work with your organization so you can continue to be a vital part of the AFP community. And let AFP, your association, help you reach your professional development goals - while helping your organization continue to make a difference in the world.
For additional information on AFP membership with the Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter, contact afpbrowardchapter@gmail.com or visit afpbroward.org.
Mission Statement: AFP, an association of professionals throughout the world, advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy. Vision Statement Fundraising is viewed as a credible and respected profession for civic betterment throughout the world.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals and organizations that generate philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions. Background Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its 30,000 members in 240 chapters throughout the world. So that it can promote stewardship, donor trust effective and ethical Fundraising.
AFP Promotes consistent and high standards of professional practice to ensure donor trust and guard against abuses that can occur in the fundraising process. Requires members to comply with a Code of Ethical Principles and Standards that is designed to provide concrete guidelines for fundraising professionals in philanthropic organizations. Was instrumental in creating and maintaining A Donor Bill of Rights, a document that outlines what donors have the right to expect from charitable organizations to which they contribute. Is an original founder of and current participating organization in a worldwide certification program through Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International. The CFRE credential, verifies experience and knowledge of fundraising and philanthropy. AFP also provides the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) credential for senior professionals. Provides educational programs about fundraising Partners with educational institutions to further the profession and philanthropy. Provides information about philanthropy through its Fundraising Resource Center. Encourages research on fundraising and philanthropy. Supports legislation and regulations to encourage philanthropic giving and ethical fundraising. Raises public awareness and interest in philanthropy through programs such as National Philanthropy Day®, Youth in Philanthropy, and the AFP Awards for Philanthropy.
