THE NASHVILLE CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS HONORS THE GENEROSITY OF LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Nancy Denning-Martin
National Philanthropy Day®, Co-Chair
denningmartin@hospitalhospitalityhouse.org
615.329.0477

Susan Williams
National Philanthropy Day®, Co-Chair
swilliams@nashvillesymphony.org
615.687.6524

THE NASHVILLE CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS HONORS THE GENEROSITY OF LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS

THE 2008 NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY AWARDS LUNCHEON SET FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008

June 18, 2008 - (Nashville, TN) On Tuesday, November 18, 2008, The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will host its 19th annual National Philanthropy Day® (NFP) Awards, recognizing the generosity and leadership of members of the Middle Tennessee Community. The luncheon will be be held at The Hilton Downtown and held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
The local awards event is part of AFP’s international celebration of philanthropy including activities presented by more than 100 chapters and representing nearly 50,000 participants. During the event, AFP will recognize Middle Tennesseans by celebrating a giving community that includes these honorees:

Janet and Jim Carell, Philanthropists of the Year
The Carells believe that “money isn’t worth anything if you can’t share it.” This belief guides their philanthropy and helps shape our community. Grateful for their blessings and the opportunity to help others, the Carells rarely wait for a call asking for help. Instead, they make the call to offer help. The Carells have donated several million dollars to charitable and educational causes, including Aquinas College, Currey-Ingram Academy, the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation, Father Ryan High School, St. Cecilia Academy, and the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

C. Wright Pinson, M.D., Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Wright Pinson is a man with a mission—to provide the best possible care for the patients and families seeking medical treatment in the Nashville community. Tirelessly working on behalf of causes near and dear to his heart, Dr. Pinson led the effort to raise funds to open a new facility for Hospital Hospitality House in 2004. Never shy about asking others to follow his example in giving, Dr. Pinson was responsible for raising nearly 34% of the revenues from HHH’s annual Patrons’ Luncheon in 2007. He serves as board chair for Hospital Hospitality House and on the Advisory Board for Ronald McDonald House of Nashville. He co-chaired the 2007 Heart Walk at Vanderbilt and works on behalf The T.J. Martell Foundation.

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Publix Super Markets, Corporate Philanthropy Program of the Year
In addition to its support of thousands of local projects each year, Publix maintains an annual commitment to support five primary organizations that benefit local neighborhoods: Special Olympics, March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network, United Way and Food for All. The Middle Tennessee Publix stores invested over $500,000 in 2007 to these five organizations at the local level and are well are on their way to more than doubling that in 2008. Their philanthropy extends beyond simple giving to engaging their employees in volunteer fund raising and direct service volunteering at local agencies.

Matthew Hamilton, Youth Fundraising Volunteer of the Year
Only fourteen years old, Matthew Hamilton turned his desire to earn his Eagle Scout Award into a vision that benefited his entire community. Matthew exceeded the average 50 project hours, instead working almost 500 hours to raise almost $20,000 in cash and another $25,000 of in-kind gifts—all to build prayer garden dedicated to Ms. Mae Duncan, an influential woman in his local congregation. To achieve his goals, Matthew engaged an entire community, finding ways each person could contribute time, expertise or financial support and revealing character and leadership far beyond his years.”

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents 27,000 fundraisers in more than 180 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. For more information about AFP, please visit www.afpnet.org.

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