FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Rachel Ezzo, NPD Communications, Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
Phone: 404.543.3323
Email: rezzo@afpgreateratlanta.org
Metro Atlanta Community to Celebrate National Philanthropy Day
Etta Raye Hirsch to be recognized as Philanthropist of the Year;
Edward J. “Jack” Hardin to be recognized as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
Jon Webber to be recognized as Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow
April 16, 2019 (ATLANTA) – The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Atlanta Chapter will host its 37th annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon at the Georgia Aquarium on November 7, 2019 sponsored by The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. One thousand individuals, business leaders and organizations are expected to attend the event honoring Metro Atlanta’s civic and philanthropic leaders.
Philanthropist of the Year honoree Etta Raye Hirsch is a generous donor and servant leader who thoughtfully researches organizations to identify where her support can make the most impact. She focuses her efforts on organizations that care for vulnerable populations, such as those facing illness, children with special needs, the elderly, women and children, immigrants and the homeless.
Hirsch is a first generation American, raised with humble beginnings from a small town in Tennessee. Just before her husband’s passing in 2004, the couple created the Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage Foundation. Since then, Hirsch has donated more than $2 million in annual gifts to the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. She has also contributed toward projects that build future resources, such as LIFE & LEGACY and the Atlanta Jewish Foundation’s Family Philanthropy Initiative.
Hirsch has served on several boards, including The Atlanta Women’s Foundation, Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta, Jewish Home Life Communities, Atlanta Scholars Kollel, Temima High Schools for Girls, The Epstein School and Congregation Beth Jacob. The Henry and Etta Raye Hirsch Heritage Foundation has been a major supporter of Creating Connected Communities, Ian’s Friends Foundation and The Drake House. Hirsch has also been a supporter for educational and youth-serving organizations, including Create Your Dreams, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools and Fugees Academy.
Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year honoree Jack Hardin is a successful lawyer and a founding partner of Rogers and Hardin. Hardin has committed his life to raising funds and awareness for the homeless. He has served the greater Atlanta area through his longtime involvement with United Way and currently co-chairs the United Way Regional Commission on Homelessness. Hardin has secured nearly $50 million for Homefirst Atlanta to invest in proven strategies to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. He also co-founded the Gateway Center, which works to end homelessness through therapeutic programs and community collaboration. The Gateway Center takes pride in having served more than 35,000 individuals since opening in 2005. Hardin also serves as vice chair for Georgia Works! and is a board member for Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation.
Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow honoree Jon Webber is a longtime supporter of Covenant House Georgia. Through Covenant House, Webber has served as an active leader and advocate for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping human trafficking in Georgia. In 2019, Webber chaired the Young Professionals Sleep Out. Under his leadership, this event raised more than $127,000 for Covenant House Georgia’s crisis shelter.
AFP Greater Atlanta is grateful to Title Sponsor, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. Additional sponsorship information for the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon is available on the AFP Greater Atlanta Chapter website at www.afpgreateratlanta.org.To secure recognition in the luncheon program, sponsorships must be secured by August 20, 2019. For additional information, please email Jenna Jones at jjones@asginfo.net or call 877-845-0704.
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About Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Atlanta Chapter
AFP Greater Atlanta Chapter has over 500 members who take part in professional development opportunities to enhance their contributions in the philanthropic community. The chapter hosts several events throughout the year, including a monthly networking and education breakfast and the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. The chapter also provides engagement opportunities for Diversity Fellows, Young Professionals, Veterans in the Profession and those with a general interest in the non-profit field. AFP International represents 30,000 members in 197 chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. The organization works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.afpgreateratlanta.org.