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Nine Honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter During 37th Annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration

On November 14, 2024, nearly 250 guests gathered at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Mary Porter Ballroom to celebrate the generosity of nine outstanding local donors, volunteers, foundations, corporations, and leaders in honor of National Philanthropy Day. This year marked the 37th annual event hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter, who tapped Kim Sarni, Managing Director of South Florida Business & Wealth, Lifestyle Media, and South Florida Legal Guide, to emcee along with Chapter President Jim DeChant, Senior Major Gifts Officer at Broward College.

The 2024 Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter National Philanthropy Day Honorees are:

President’s Award - Traci Allyn Shur

Selected by past chapter presidents for her exemplary leadership and service to the AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter for more than a decade, as well leadership with the Planned Giving Council of Broward and highly accomplished fundraising career with Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Broward Health Foundation, and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Outstanding Foundation - BBX Capital Foundation

Nominated by Broward Health Foundation and Broward College for awarding more than $20 Million in contributions and in-kind services to charitable organizations throughout the State of Florida, for their thoughtful and committed support of our community’s arts, education, and human services nonprofit organizations, and for the dedicated leadership of the Foundation’s Executive Director Lois Marino.

Outstanding Corporation - JM Family Enterprises

Nominated by Habitat for Humanity of Broward and United Way of Broward County, with additional support from Kids in Distress, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Broward Partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, and Youth Automotive Training Center of Broward, for their innovative approach to philanthropy and dedication to empowering families, promoting education, and embracing the environment.

Outstanding Philanthropist - Dara & Jarett Levan

Nominated by the Community Foundation of Broward for their generosity in empowering local artists, expanding mental health services, and fostering a culture of creativity and support in Broward County since 2018. Through their visionary Donor Advised Funds at the Community Foundation, and their active leadership and support of arts and health institutions throughout the community, the Levan’s are making an indelible mark on Broward County.

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser - Howard Talenfeld, Founder & President, Board of Directors for Florida’s Children First

Nominated by Florida’s Children First, Senator Nan Rich, Mayor of Broward County, Nova Southeastern University, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice for his role in founding and sustaining Florida’s Children First to change and complement policies, practices, and laws that help youth in foster care become strong, successful adults.

Outstanding Fundraising Executive - Alica Brown, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications for the Urban League of Broward County

Nominated by the Urban League of Broward County, Florida Power & Light, and Cultural Accelerators for her nearly 17 years of service with the Urban League, her leadership in developing the REDI to Lead Conference, for raising more than $7 million in five years, for advancing philanthropy in Black and Brown communities, and for mentoring talent and adhering to ethical practices.

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy - Aakash Suresh & Matthew Wanless

Nominated by Joshua’s Heart Foundation, Suresh, a graduate of Pembroke Pines Charter High School and current student at University of California, Berkeley, and Wanless, a current student at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, have volunteered tens of thousands of hours and given boundless leadership and enthusiasm in driving initiatives to end hunger and food insecurity.

“This year’s honorees have truly changed Broward County for the better through their passion and their generosity,” said Jim DeChant, AFP Chapter President. “It is a joy to bring them together to celebrate their philanthropy and the legacy they are creating for years to come.”

The 37th Annual National Philanthropy Day celebration was presented by UKG, BBX Capital, and JM Family Enterprises, with sponsorship support provided by United Way of Broward County, The Steven Halmos Family Foundation, Broward College, Trevor & Margie Fried, Jim & Lynn LaBate, Community Foundation of Broward, and The Our Fund Foundation.

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The Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter is dedicated to elevating the fundraising profession, providing valuable educational programming to our members, and serving the community by promoting ethical and professional practices in philanthropy. Learn more at https://www.afpbroward.org.