Hosted by the Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals, the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon honors some of Dallas’ most outstanding philanthropists and volunteers
Jack Furst, future resident of Flower Mound, gives his time, talent and treasure quietly and without hesitation to make the world a better place. On November 9, he will be honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, at the 33rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon “Stories Worth Telling,” 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. This annual event celebrates 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.
“I believe that confidence creates momentum,” said Furst. “And, with momentum, all things are possible. I am a big thinker and prefer to engage and lead transformational projects that are youth-centric. We are only limited by our creativity and imagination.”
Furst was nominated for this honor by the Boy Scouts of America. He is a Boy Scout and Distinguished Eagle Scout, and it appears his life is a series of ongoing Eagle Scout projects. The Boy Scouts of America national leadership requested Furst lead an effort to find a home for the National Scout Jamboree, a new high adventure base and leadership training center. Furst and other founding donors contributed $400+ million to build it—the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. When Circle Ten Council President, Furst designed a $90 million campaign and gave a large leadership gift. He also endowed the Jack D. Furst Aquatics Base at Camp Constantin.
Furst directed Arizona State University’s $85 million campaign to convert the football stadium into a 24/7/365 community union. His vision, leadership, and sizeable gift turned the aspiration into reality. He also created a professorship specializing in private investment at ASU. Furst and his partners endowed a Private Equity Center at The University of Texas at Austin. He was instrumental in creating the Carry the Load National Tour and donated land and a sizable gift to build Cross Timbers Community Church and Liberty Christian School in Argyle.
Furst also supports: YMCA, Friends of Dallas Fire-Rescue, National Safety Council, Pure Adventure, Special Olympics International, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, The Salvation Army, Dallas Can Academy, Christian Community Action, North Texas Food Bank, and World Scout Organization.
“Jack Furst is a philanthropist who leads with his heart and shares his vast experiences, wisdom and personal resources in ways that few will ever match or even attempt to duplicate,” said Bobby B Lyle. “He is a leader that others seek to follow, a man of faith, and a role model for young and old alike.”
Furst is a distinguished private equity investor and an adjunct professor at The University of North Texas and The University of Texas at Dallas. He serves on numerous corporate boards and advisory councils. Furst is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, a member of ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business Hall of Fame, and Honorary Mountaineer Brigadier of the West Virginia National Guard. He is a recipient of the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award, the W.P. Carey School of Business Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, and ASU’s Philanthropist of the Year Award.
The luncheon, which is sponsored by South Texas Money Management (STMM), will honor five additional recipients:
Outstanding Foundation Joe M. and Doris R. Dealey Family Foundation, nominated by Texas Health Resources,wasfounded to honor the late Joe and Doris Dealey. Today it carries the family’s philanthropic legacy forward by continuing its support of numerous community organizations and institutions including Texas Health Resources, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, Dallas Foundation, Dallas Heritage Village, The Dallas Historical Society, Parkland Foundation, SPCA of Texas, and many more.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Kaki Hopkins, nominated by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, has been a dedicated volunteer for almost 40 years for more than 14 organizations – chairing an event a year and often asked to chair the same events multiple times.
Outstanding Corporation Pioneer Natural Resources, nominated by Dallas CASA and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, has created a corporate culture that strives to improve communities and help children succeed in school, the workforce, and life.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive Luanne Samuel, CFRE, nominated by Jana Haigood of the Alcuin School, has over 24 years of fundraising experience.
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Jingle Bell Mistletoe, nominated by The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB), has put nearly 300,000 nutritious meals on the tables of hungry North Texans by selling mistletoe in the winter over the past four years.
“Dallas citizens are passionate, driven, and generous volunteers and philanthropists, but that’s not enough,” said Jeanie Wyatt, CFA, STMM’s founder and CEO. “We depend on our nonprofits to meet so many of our city’s most basic needs. With over 1,000 nonprofits throughout Dallas, it’s vital that we have a professional organization, like AFP, helping nonprofit fundraising professionals raise more money and do it in effective and ethical ways.”
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.
“STMM is pleased to sponsor the Greater Dallas AFP for the fourth consecutive year,” said Stan Shipley, President and CEO, STMM Family Office. “AFP upholds the highest ethical fundraising and, importantly, effective fundraising. We are pleased to support AFP chapters around Texas including Austin, Houston, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and the Greater Plains Chapter."
Sponsors to date are: $10,000 (presenting sponsor): South Texas Money Management; $7,500 (luncheon sponsor): Boy Scouts of America; $5,000 (awards sponsors): Boy Scouts of America, Chick-fil-A Foundation, ClubCorp, Texas Capital Bank, Texas Health Resources; $2,500 (community sponsors): M. Gale & Associates, LLC, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; $1,500 (reception sponsor): The Color of Money.
The luncheon is chaired by William Bryant and will be emceed by longtime supporter Scott Murray. Murray Media, in-kind sponsor of the luncheon, produces the luncheon videos featuring the accomplishments of each award recipient. Rodney D. Bullard, Vice President of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A, Inc. and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, will provide executive remarks.
“National Philanthropy Day is a day to remember and recognize the impact philanthropy – charitable giving, volunteering and engagement – has made in our world,” said Luncheon Chair William Bryant. “This day was first celebrated in 1986 in the U.S. with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan. We hope you will join us in paying tribute to those who make the city of Dallas such a vibrant philanthropic community.”
Luncheon tickets are $95. For tickets and sponsorships, visit afpdallas.orgorcontactMadeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.