National Philanthropy Day(R) Recognizes Contributions of Donors and Volunteers across United States

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, more than 50,000 people across the United States will celebrate the 22nd anniversary of National Philanthropy Day(R), recognizing and paying tribute to the extraordinary contributions that charitable giving and volunteerism have made to society.

National Philanthropy Day(R), coordinated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), features more than 125 events across North America where local donors, volunteers, foundations, businesses, young people and others will be honored for their charitable work. A list of these events is available at the National Philanthropy Day(R) website at www.nationalphilanthropyday.org.

"Millions of Americans gave almost $300 billion in 2006 and contributed many billions of volunteer hours," said Paulette Maehara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of AFP. "National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations that give of themselves and work to make our world a little better every day."

First celebrated in 1986, National Philanthropy Day(R) began with a presidential proclamation from Ronald Reagan. Celebrities such as Bob Hope and Art Linkletter have served as National Philanthropy Day(R) spokespersons. Noted songwriter Marvin Hamlisch even wrote an official theme song for the day, "Now More Than Ever."

In conjunction with National Philanthropy Day(R), AFP and its chapters annually select the country's most outstanding donors, volunteers and others involved in the philanthropic process. In 2007, these honorees include:

    -- CCS Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Paul Marcus, CFRE,
       Toronto, Ontario
    -- Ketchum Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Howard and Joan
       Katz, Fort Worth, Texas
    -- Paschal* Murray Award for Outstanding Philanthropist: Bernie Marcus,
       Atlanta, Ga.
    -- Award for Outstanding Corporation: Toyota, Inc., Erlanger, Ky.
    -- Award for Outstanding Foundation: Sobrato Family Foundation, Milpitas,
       Calif.
    -- William R. Simms Youth in Philanthropy (18-23): Sarah Rose Varadian,
       Norwood, Mass.
    -- William R. Simms Youth in Philanthropy (5-17): Students of Wheaton
       Academy, West Chicago, Ill.

These individuals and organizations were honored at AFP's International Conference on Fundraising in April 2007. 2008 honorees will be announced later this year.

"From just a few local events in 1986 to a truly international celebration in 2007, National Philanthropy Day has grown significantly, just as charitable giving and volunteerism have increased exponentially," said Maehara. "Service to the community is the foundation of our country and our society, and it's critical that we take a moment to step back and remember what philanthropy and charitable organizations have accomplished."

Information about international and local AFP award honorees across the United States and Canada can be obtained by contacting Michael Nilsen at (425) 890-6628 or mnilsen@afpnet.org.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents over 29,000 members in more than 190 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy and ethical fundraising through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. For more information, visit www.afpnet.org.