34th Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon "The Stars of Texas" Recognizes Dallas’ Most Extraordinary Philanthropists, Volunteers, and Fundraising Professionals
The Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will honor the Harry S. Moss Trust, as the 2019 Outstanding Foundation at the 34th annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon “The Stars of Texas.” This annual event is Dallas’ National Philanthropy Day celebration – bringing together area nonprofits, volunteers, funders, foundations, business and community members to honor this city’s finest who give selflessly in support of numerous worthy causes – on Friday, November 8, 2019, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Dallas.
Outstanding Foundation -- Harry S. Moss Trust, Bank of America N.A., Trustee, nominated by UT Southwestern Medical Center, supports the prevention and cure of heart disease in Texas, particularly in Dallas. When the late Harry S. Moss -- founder and president of Moss Petroleum and Dallas civic leader for 45 years -- survived a heart attack in the 1960s, he made a commitment to support medical research. The first grant to UT Southwestern in 1973 created the Harry S. Moss Heart Center, for healing, innovation, discovery and educating the next generation of cardiovascular providers and investigators. The Trust has contributed more than $41 million to UT Southwestern in support of endowed faculty chairs, funding for equipment and special projects. The Trust has funded groundbreaking studies, such as the development of cholesterol-lowering, life-saving statin drugs based on the research of Nobel Laureates Drs. Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein, as well as the development of a world-renowned cardiothoracic transplantation program under the leadership of Dr. Michael Jessen. Additionally, the Trust has provided funds to nonprofits advancing awareness, working to prevent suffering, and bringing assistance to those who are victims of heart disease. It has helped Children’s Health build state-of-the-art facilities, acquire life-saving equipment, and advance the study of pediatric heart-related conditions. The Trust has supported children with medical issues attending Camp John Marc and has awarded significant grants to American Heart Association, Texas Health Resources Foundation, Methodist Health System Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation-Greater Dallas Chapter.
“UT Southwestern Medical Center has developed a global reputation as a preeminent center for cardiovascular research and patient care, which would not have been possible without the decades of support of the Harry S. Moss Trust,” said Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., president, UT Southwestern. “This remarkable support has undoubtedly accelerated UT Southwestern’s efforts to translate breakthroughs in the laboratory into new treatments for patients battling cardiovascular disease.”
Luncheon Chair Janet Sherlip announces the additional 2019 honorees:
Outstanding Philanthropist Donna Wilhelm, nominated by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, is a mission-driven philanthropist who has contributed more than $10 million to local, national, and international organizations, supporting direct capacity building and targeting strategic innovation.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Michal Powell, nominated by The Salvation Army North Texas Command, is a passionate fundraiser for faith-based, medical, and humanitarian causes.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive Cindy Scott, CFRE, nominated by Parkland Foundation, has over 30 years of fundraising experience, benefiting the people of Dallas and beyond.
Outstanding Corporation Texas Capital Bank, nominated by Parkland Foundation, is dedicated to helping communities prosper by investing time, talent, and resources while making long-term strategic investments within three areas: education, health/wellness, and community revitalization.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Ashlyn Duy, nominated by Children’s Medical Center Foundation, is a former patient and loyal supporter of Children’s Health who has raised a total of $31,170 in four Red Balloon Children Helping Children Tennis Tournaments, benefiting pediatric cancer research and programs.
The Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP was among the first to begin celebrating National Philanthropy Day in 1985. Today, more than 500 attend the luncheon which includes AFP members and community leaders. National Philanthropy Day celebrates the great contributions philanthropy, and those who work in the philanthropic process, make to our community. AFP Chapters involve more than 28,000 individuals in celebrating philanthropy each year.
The AFP Dallas Chapter sponsor is Texas Capital Bank. Luncheon Sponsors to date are Philanthropy Sponsors ($5,000): Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center, co-sponsors of the Outstanding Foundation Award; and Community Sponsors ($2,500): Children’s Health; KERA and World Affairs Council, co-sponsors.
The luncheon will be emceed by longtime partner Scott Murray of Murray Media, an in-kind sponsor of the luncheon. Murray Media produces the luncheon videos featuring the accomplishments of each award recipient.
“National Philanthropy Day is a day to remember and recognize the impact philanthropy – charitable giving, volunteering and engagement – has made in our world,” said Luncheon Chair Janet Sherlip. “This day was first celebrated nationally in 1986 in the U.S. with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan. We hope you will join us in paying tribute to those who make the city of Dallas such a vibrant philanthropic community.”
Luncheon tickets are $95, $950 for a table of 10, and $1,250 for a premium table of 10. For tickets and sponsorships, visit afpdallas.org or contact Madeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.
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The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), an individual member association, advances philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. AFP members and affiliates enable people and organizations to better serve diverse communities and society as a whole. AFP represents 28,248 members in 172 chapters throughout the world. Visit afpdallas.org, call 214-354-8742, or email afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.