Eight individuals and organizations were honored Monday for their contributions to the community, including Peggy and J.F. Bryan IV, who received the 2012 Outstanding Philanthropist Award.
They were honored at the 27th Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon hosted by the First Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The event was at the Hyatt Downtown.
“Today is a celebration of friendship,” said Janie Smalley, event co-chair.
The Bryans were recognized for their work with LISC Jacksonville, which helps community development organizations revitalize and rebuild neighborhoods.
Their philanthropic contributions also include PACE Center for Girls, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Museum of Science & History, Episcopal Children’s Services and other nonprofit organizations.
The late Nancy McDonald was honored for her philanthropy with the 2012 Legacy Award.
McDonald died in 2011 and through her estate contributed more than $12 million to local charities including Community Hospice, Hubbard House, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, PACE Center for Girls and HabiJax.
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch has been a sponsor of the event for five years and was this year’s presenting sponsor. Market President Greg Smith said the financial institution’s associates donate more than 30,000 volunteer hours each year working with local organizations.
“Without the philanthropic community, our quality of life would suffer tremendously. Jacksonville is indeed a better place for all of the work you do,” he told the fundraising professionals and philanthropists.
AFP First Coast Chapter President Maggie Hightower said that over the past 10 years, total annual giving in the United States has increased by more than 50 percent, which equated to more than $100 million.
“National Philanthropy Day is an opportunity to connect individuals to causes and to each other,” Hightower said.
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2012 National Philanthropy Day honorees
Outstanding Philanthropists: Peggy and J.F. Bryan IV, nominated by the Cause to Communicate Division of Scott-McRae Advertising.
Outstanding Legacy: Nancy McDonald, nominated by Habijax.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Paul J. Chappano, M.D., F.A.C.S., nominated by St. Vincent’s HealthCare Foundation.
Outstanding Foundation: M.A. Healy Foundation, nominated by PACE Center for Girls Jacksonville.
Outstanding Corporation: Citi Jacksonville, nominated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, the Sulzbacher Center and The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
Outstanding Civic Organization: Westside Wranglers 4-H, nominated by Dreams Come True.
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist: Tyler Jump, nominated by Ronald McDonald House Charities Jacksonville.
Outstanding Young Professional Organization: The Wild Things, nominated by the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.