News – December 2007

Note: For the second time in recent months, Charles & Shirley Weiss, whose service to the community includes membership on the Board of Directors of CVNC, have been honored for their philanthropy. The following award, described in an announcement reproduced with permission of the Triangle chapter of the AFP, comes on the heels of CVNC’s September presentation of the first annual Bella Voce Award for Arts Service.
 

November 16, 2007, Raleigh, NC: The Association of Fundraising Professionals honored extraordinary individuals along with the Triangle’s most remarkable nonprofit executives on Thursday, November 15, as part of its National Philanthropy Day celebration at the Capital City Club in downtown Raleigh.
 

The event theme, “Rugged Individuals: the Power of One to Change the World,” focused on committed, savvy individuals whose contributions have profoundly impacted the non-profit organizations they support. Individual donors provided over $197 billion to America’s nonprofits in 2006, representing 76% of all charitable giving, with some contributors shining as examples for their dedication, leadership, and ingenuity.
 

“I call them ‘All Terrain Individuals’ – these are seasoned folks who can shoulder a lot and still lead beautifully by example, inspiring others to commit for the long-haul,” says Steve Gruber, chairman of the event. “People don’t realize that philanthropy is both an art and a science. It often takes years of careful cultivation before a donor believes enough in an organization to make a significant gift. Getting there requires commitment and strategy on both sides of the fence.”
 

Professors Charles & Shirley Weiss were named Most Outstanding Individual Philanthropists for lifelong, significant gifts beginning over five decades ago. The Weiss’ founded UNC’s Urban Livability Program and provided loyal support to the Morehead Planetarium, Playmakers Theatre, UNC Library, Botanical Garden, WUNC, NC Symphony and Carolina Performing Arts. They are both committed donors and phenomenal advocates for the nonprofits they support.
 

Other finalists honored for Most Outstanding Individual Philanthropist [included]:

 

Vic Hackley, [who] utilizes wide-ranging contacts & board affiliations to leverage funding for a variety of non-profits; effectively engages young executives/ students in charitable giving.
 

Eliza Olander, [whose] hands-on approach & business savvy stimulates broad support and respect – especially toward children’s welfare (YMCA, Frankie Lemmon Foundation, and others).
 

Florence Peacock, [whose] exceptional passion and generosity in supporting NC Opera, Carolina Performing Arts, NC Symphony and others… unselfishly helps to build and credit team efforts.
 

Becky Bumgardner, Executive Director of University Development at NC State University, was named Most Outstanding Fundraising Executive for tackling some of the University’s most challenging projects, including campaigns for the $20 million Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center and the $4.7 million Joyner Visitor Center. Her ability to engage and retain supporters is remarkable.
 

Other finalists honored for Most Outstanding Fundraising Executive included:
 

George O’Neal, Past President & CEO of Triangle Family Services [whose] two decades of comprehensive devotion [helped] grow agency capacity amid funding cuts [as he] mentors/empowers development peers.
 

Shellie Pfohl, Vice President & COO of Be Active North Carolina, Inc., [who] grew her organization to a $2.5M budget, with 13 staff, [that] consistently exceeds ambitious funding goals (e.g., training for 50,000 teachers).
 

Lisa Price, Executive Director, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, [who] deftly crafted the organization’s message/marketing, stimulating greater funding for an often divisive subject.
 

About National Philanthropy Day: National Philanthropy Day is observed each November by AFP chapters across America to honor charitable giving and the many professionals and volunteers who are critical to the advancement of philanthropy.
 

About AFP: The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 26,000 members in 170 chapters worldwide, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs.
 

About Triangle AFP: Triangle AFP promotes the highest professionalism and accountability in philanthropic fundraising. Members are distinguished by altruistic service to the mission of their organization. With over 200 active members, Triangle AFP hosts monthly topic breakfasts, luncheons, seminars and an annual conference. Its membership network offers an impressive depth of industry expertise and peer support. For information about upcoming AFP sessions, please go to: www.afptriangle.org [inactive 6/08].
 

For more information, contact Steve Gruber, Chairman, National Philanthropy Day 2007. 919/744-9969 or gruber1963@gmail.com