The Association of Fundraising Professionals Florida First Coast Chapter honored seven philanthropists and organizations Monday for their support of area nonprofits and causes.
The 2011 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Hyatt Downtown was co-chaired by Lynn Bertram, executive director of Pace Center for Girls Jacksonville, and Darby Stubberfield, director of fund development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida.
John Baker was the honorary chairman. Bank of America and U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, were the presenting sponsors.
Winners were:
• Outstanding Philanthropists: Linda and Vince Ferrigno.
The Ferrignos were nominated by the Sulzbacher Center for their support. In addition to sponsoring the Sulzbacher’s Transformations event, they have funded Habijax homes, sent Ronald McDonald families to the circus, and sup-port various other nonprofits
in Jacksonville.
• Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers: Paul and Amy Wilson.
Paul and Amy Wilson decided to give back to the community when they spent 12 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Wolfson Children’s Hospital with their son Luke, who was born with spina bifida.
Paul decided to run a mile for every year the hospital was in Jacksonville on the theme of “One to Grow On — Because Every Child Deserves Another Birthday.” Paul and five other ultramarathoners ran 55 miles and raised $550,000.
• Outstanding Foundation: Neviaser Charitable Foundation Inc.
The Neviaser Charitable Foundation was nominated by Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. In its four years of existence, it has granted $3 million to area organizations including Community Hospice, University of North Florida, Bright Holidays, HandsOn Jacksonville and the Clara White Mission.
• Outstanding Corporation: Miller Electric Co.
Miller Electric Co. was nominated by the St. Vincent’s HealthCare Foundation and Vision Is Priceless Council. The corporation has been active in the philanthropic community since it began in 1928.
Its work with St. Vincent’s includes raising nearly $4 million to assist the poor, uninsured and underserved with access to quality health care through the St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Outreach Ministry.
• Outstanding Civic Organization: Knights of Columbus Father Murphy Council #5535.
The Outstanding Civic Organization, The Knights of Columbus Father Murphy Council #5535, was nominated by Dreams Come True of Jacksonville for its continued support. The council has raised more than $110,100 through its bingo nights.
• Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Tre’Ellis Scott.
Scott was nominated by Daniel. After seeing Daniel President Jim Clark on television, he contacted the Daniel Foundation staff regarding his fundraising idea. He spearheaded a plan to gather 1,000 gifts and $1,000 in five days.
• Outstanding Young Professional Organization: The Discovery Circle.
The Discovery Circle was named Outstanding Youth Professional Organization. Nominated by the Ronald McDonald House, this 11-year old group works closely with the nonprofit to organize fundraising events and raise significant dollars to help children.