Sarah Elliott, of McKinney, knows what can happen when you combine hard work, volunteers, and interested funders with the goals of a nonprofit. It has been her job for the last 16 years to bring these players together to benefit important causes and needs in the community. However, on Friday, November 13, she is helping to bring them all together for another purpose. The Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals will host the 30th luncheon celebrating Dallas’ National Philanthropy Day – bringing together area nonprofits, volunteers, funders, foundations, business and community members to honor many of this city’s finest who give selflessly in support of numerous worthy causes, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Dallas, Landmark Ballroom. McKinney resident Sarah Elliott is the chair of this year’s special anniversary event, Rebecca Rhule is co-chair, and Dallas Philanthropist Nancy Dedman, is the event’s first honorary chair. Together they will join AFP and presenting sponsor KERA to honor award recipients in seven categories.
“It is an honor to chair this special anniversary luncheon and work with Nancy Dedman,” said Sarah Elliott, luncheon chair. “As we think back over the last 30 years, Nancy Dedman, a past recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, possesses all of the qualities we look for in our award recipients each year. She is a true philanthropist who extends her generosity to a host of worthwhile causes, including education, health care, and the arts.”
Elliott is the Director of Development for Promising Youth Alliance, a nonprofit alliance between Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs and Phoenix House. She is responsible for providing fund development leadership for the collaboration. Elliott has over 16 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with over 12 years in management/leadership roles. She has worked with organizations such as The Arc, University of North Texas (UNT), United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, serving in positions ranging from Director of Programs to Executive Director, as well as Senior Director of Philanthropy. During her career, she has successfully built development departments from the ground up, spearheaded an organizational rebranding campaign, overseen the transition of a nonprofit through an amicable acquisition, and secured major gifts from new donors (up to $1 million). Prior to the nonprofit sector, Elliott worked as a corporate trainer with Aetna and was an avid community volunteer.
Elliott holds both a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas as well as a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate from Southern Methodist University (SMU). She serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Greater Dallas Chapter). She has been an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas for the past 10 years, where she continues to teach part-time for the College of Public Affairs and Community Service.
The 30th annual luncheon will be emceed by longtime supporter Scott Murray, who will also be recognized as an award recipient for his ongoing support and outstanding contributions to the community.
This year’s award recipients are:
Outstanding Philanthropists Cecilia and Garrett Boone, nominated by Dallas Women’s Foundation and sponsored by Clarkson Davis, are inspiring philanthropists, creating transformational change in Texas and beyond with generous gifts in three areas: equity for women and girls; quality of life for children; and environmental stewardship. The Boones influence and lead a broad network of philanthropists, business leaders, elected and appointed officials, and the nonprofit community across Texas and nationally.
Outstanding Corporation JP Morgan Chase (JPMC), jointly nominated by Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and sponsored by Dallas County Community College District Foundation, has a long-standing history of providing significant philanthropic support locally and nationally. Most recently, JPMC launched a five-year, $250 million global workforce readiness training initiative called New Skills at Work. Chase’s investment in local programs, capacity-building efforts, and cutting-edge research continue to transform the workforce development ecosystem in North Texas.
Outstanding Foundation The Moody Foundation, nominated by Texas Health Resources Foundation, has created a 70+ year legacy of transformational change in Texas, including early grants such as disaster relief for the 1947 Texas City chemical explosion. From arts and education, to social services, to environmental causes and health, the Moody Foundation has stayed true to the founder’s intent “to benefit in perpetuity present and future generations of Texans.”
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Nancy Strauss Halbreich, nominated by Parkland Foundation and sponsored by Dini Spheris, is known throughout the community for her tenacity, passion and work ethic for fundraising. Her contributions include co-chairing the $150 million capital campaign to build the new Parkland hospital. Known for taking on big projects and tackling them with energy, enthusiasm, and humor, Halbreich makes every organization she serves a better place for the next generation of volunteers.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive James N. Falk, nominated by Rebecca Rhule and sponsored by Communities Foundation of Texas, has 24 years of fundraising experience. Since 2001, he has served as president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, growing its membership from 350 to over 4,000 and its annual budget from $375,000 to $2.3 million. Falk believes in giving to the organizations he serves and is a respected leader who has impacted the fundraising success of many organizations in North Texas and beyond.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Kendall Deitch, 18, nominated by the North Texas Food Bank, created “Big Sister’s Closet,” a program in which she and other Highland Park High School students donate their gently used clothing to fifth grade girls at LL Hotchkiss Elementary School. Her creative idea is not only meeting an important need for the young students, it is inspiring and mobilizing other teen volunteers, showing them how they can also make a difference.
Since 2001, Special Recognition Award Recipient Scott Murray has been an enthusiastic and invaluable National Philanthropy Day partner, readily volunteering to emcee and promote the luncheon while using his talent and network to celebrate philanthropy in our community. He is known for his long-term involvement in the nonprofit sector in the Dallas area, participating in thousands of events over the last 35 years and helping to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes.
"We are very proud to present and pay tribute to these outstanding individuals and organizations that make a real difference in our community through their leadership, vision and generosity,” emphasized Elliott. “Join us for our 30th anniversary event and be inspired by an amazing group of recipients doing exceptional work serving and supporting a wide range of charitable causes.”
The Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP was among the first to begin celebrating National Philanthropy Day in 1981. Today, over 500 attend the luncheon which includes AFP members and community leaders. National Philanthropy Day celebrates the great contributions philanthropy, and those who work in the philanthropic process, make to our community. AFP Chapters involve more than 28,000 individuals in celebrating philanthropy each year.
“This event is always very unique in that in one room you not only have the major Dallas players in the philanthropy and volunteer world – whether individuals, corporations, or foundations – but you also have the many diverse nonprofits they serve as well as others who support their efforts,” added Honorary Chair Nancy Dedman. “Prior to the start of the luncheon and immediately following, the ballroom is truly transformed into a wonderful gathering of dear friends, catching up, networking and sharing ideas. Please join us for this very special day as we honor some of Dallas’ finest.”
In honor of the 30th Anniversary, South Texas Money Management is the Diamond level sponsor. Luncheon tickets are $85, $850 for a table of 10, and $1,250 for a premium table of 10. For further information on tickets and sponsorships, visit afpdallas.orgorcontactMadeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.