The 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, honors some of Dallas’ most outstanding philanthropists and volunteers
Headquartered in Irving, Pioneer Natural Resources has created a corporate culture that strives to improve communities and help children succeed in school, the workforce, and life. On November 9, Pioneer Natural Resources will be honored with the Outstanding Corporation Award, at the 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon “Stories Worth Telling,” 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. This annual event celebrates Dallas’ National Philanthropy Day, bringing together area nonprofits, volunteers, funders, foundations, business and community members to honor many of this city’s finest who give selflessly in support of numerous worthy causes.
Nominated by both Dallas CASA and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, Pioneer Natural Resources values the opportunity to enrich the regions in which their employees live and work through volunteerism, charitable giving, outreach efforts and other community involvement initiatives.
Pioneer has been a cornerstone contributor to Dallas CASA, intersecting with its mission, beginning during the earliest days of its founding. Mark Berg, executive vice president at Pioneer, has been a Dallas CASA Board member since 2007, chairing it in 2012 and 2013; and his mother, Rose Marion Berg, was the co-president of the inaugural board of directors. Pioneer’s gifts include a $1 million contribution in 2014 to the “Abused Children Can’t Wait” campaign as well as contributions totaling more than $1 million since 2007 and an additional $350,000 in pledged funding and in-kind donations. Pioneer employees and spouses serve not only as individual donors, contributing more than $750,000 in gifts, but also as advocates. Pioneer stepped forward in 2012 to host the annual golf tournament, which has raised $17.9 million over its history and is co-sponsored by Goldman Sachs and AT&T. In celebration of its 20th year, the tournament netted $2 million in 2017 thanks to a $350,000 matching fund from Pioneer. As campaign leader of a capital growth campaign, Pioneer was instrumental in Dallas CASA successfully closing its $37 million campaign in 2015. It is now the largest CASA program in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.
“Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Dallas CASA have both worked closely with Pioneer Natural Resources for many years,” said David Crawford, CEO, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. “Pioneer’s philanthropic spirit and commitment are extraordinary, and our neighborhoods and those we serve are blessed beyond measure to have them as partners.”
Since 2006, Pioneer has donated $3.9 million in direct financial support and over 11,500 volunteer hours to Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity providing shelter, stability, and strength to Dallas homebuyers. Their donations and sponsorships have anchored the continued revitalization of historically low-income neighborhoods in both South and West Dallas. Pioneer volunteers are also hands on in the construction process of the homes, while Pioneer President and CEO Tim Dove previously sat on the Habitat board and its Executive Vice President for Permian Operations Joey Hall is a current board member. As a result of Pioneer’s efforts, 24 families helped construct and buy new and affordable homes for themselves. Additionally Pioneer’s support helps renovate homes in aging neighborhoods, enabling the elderly and veterans to remain in their homes. Pioneer’s leadership has also resulted in the involvement and support of other corporations, sponsors and business partners.
“Pioneer’s strong compassion and generous support for children in foster care starts with its leadership and spreads throughout the company,” said Kathleen LaValle, President and CEO, Dallas CASA. “We join Habitat for Humanity in celebrating the example Pioneer sets of how an industry leader can make a powerful impact in the community.”
The luncheon, which is sponsored by South Texas Money Management (STMM), will honor five additional recipients:
Outstanding Philanthropist Jack Furst, nominated by the Boy Scouts of America, gives his time, talent and treasure quietly and without hesitation to make the world a better place.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Kaki Hopkins, nominated by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, has been a dedicated volunteer for almost 40 years for more than 14 organizations – chairing an event a year and often asked to chair the same events multiple times.
Outstanding Foundation Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation, nominated by Texas Health Resources, was founded to honor the late Joe and Doris Dealey. Today it carries the family’s philanthropic legacy forward by continuing its support of numerous community organizations and institutions including Texas Health Resources, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas Foundation, Dallas Heritage Village, The Dallas Historical Society, Parkland Foundation, SPCA of Texas, and many more.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive Luanne Samuel, CFRE, nominated by Jana Haigood of the Alcuin School, has over 24 years of fundraising experience.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Jingle Bell Mistletoe, nominated by The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), has put nearly 300,000 nutritious meals on the tables of hungry North Texans by selling mistletoe in the winter over the past four years.
“Dallas citizens are passionate, driven, and generous volunteers and philanthropists, but that’s not enough,” said Jeanie Wyatt, CFA, STMM’s founder and CEO. “We depend on our nonprofits to meet so many of our city’s most basic needs. With over 1,000 nonprofits throughout Dallas, it’s vital that we have a professional organization, like AFP, helping nonprofit fundraising professionals raise more money and do it in effective and ethical ways.”
The Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP was among the first to begin celebrating National Philanthropy Day in 1981. Today, over 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.
“STMM is pleased to sponsor the Greater Dallas AFP for the fourth consecutive year,” said Stan Shipley, President and CEO, STMM Family Office. “AFP upholds the highest ethical fundraising and, importantly, effective fundraising. We are pleased to support AFP chapters around Texas including Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the Greater Plains Chapter."
Sponsors to date are: $10,000 (presenting sponsor): South Texas Money Management; $7,500 (luncheon sponsor): Boy Scouts of America; $5,000 (awards sponsors): Boy Scouts of America, Chick-fil-A Foundation, ClubCorp, Texas Capital Bank, Texas Health Resources; $2,500 (community sponsors): M. Gale & Associates, LLC, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; $1,500 (reception sponsor): The Color of Money.
The luncheon is chaired by William Bryant and will be emceed by longtime supporter Scott Murray. Murray Media, in-kind sponsor of the luncheon, produces the luncheon videos featuring the accomplishments of each award recipient. Rodney D. Bullard, Vice President of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A, Inc. and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, will provide executive remarks.
“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 William Bryant. “This day was first celebrated 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. For tickets and sponsorships, visit afpdallas.org or contact Madeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.