For those of us connected to the nonprofit sector, we know that Central Virginia is an extremely generous community. It should be no surprise then to learn that the Central Virginia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosts one of the largest National Philanthropy Day events in the country. This year’s luncheon was held at the Convention Center and was once again a powerful affirmation of our community’s collective work.
Among those honored were Charles M. Morrison, for his Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy; Robert S. Ukrop, who was named Individual Philanthropist of the Year; and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., the Richmond-based company named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year. The honorees’ remarks revealed the humble nature of our region’s most generous givers. .
Given the selfless nature of most philanthropists, one might question why an event such as National Philanthropy Day is important. This event is vital for two reasons. First, by allowing their stories to be shared, the honorees inspire others to follow suit. Second, this event allows philanthropists, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations to celebrate their collective community impact. These extraordinary stories of philanthropy remind us of anthropologist Margaret Mead’s belief: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” .
National Philanthropy Day is a day of celebrating our generous donors, and it reminds us how important it is to hear the funders’ stories. Donors want to change the world with every bit as much boldness and passion as those of us who work in the sector. These stories remind us that donors of all capacities help to move our communities forward.
The students from Woodville Elementary, this year’s winners of the Spirit of Giving Award, have embodied the philanthropists’ love of giving in their efforts to help underprivileged Tanzanian children. The Woodville students, most of whom qualify for free or reduced lunches, were moved to help Tanzanian school children when they learned that in one village school, there was only one text book for every four to five students.
To help track and celebrate their fundraising progress, every time the children raised $2 toward their charity, a small piece of Tanzanian cloth was tied to create a chain that went on and on and on until they raised $1,000. The students shared with us, “We learned that a small group of people can have a big impact if they work together and believe in doing good for others.” Margaret Mead would have been very proud indeed.