Pinson Will Be Honored at 32nd Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon in Dallas
Over the past six years, Pinson has collected more than 25,000 toys for children
at Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Micah Pinson, 13, of Shady Shores, will be honored as Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy at the 32nd annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, “It’s Our Tomorrow,” on Friday, November 10, 2017, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Dallas, Landmark Ballroom. Hosted by The Greater Dallas Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), this annual event brings 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.
Nominated by Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Micah Pinson has conducted annual toy drives between Thanksgiving and Christmas over the past six years resulting in more than 25,000 toys for children at the hospital. An eighth grader at Corinth Classical Academy, Pinson was born with a left hand missing three and a half fingers. Grateful for the special care he received as a patient, Pinson, at age 7, wanted to do something to give back and discussed the idea with his family. He learned that toys are strong medicine for children at the hospital and are not only needed for special occasions, but also as part of therapeutic care plans.
His toys have also enabled the hospital to provide prizes for children attending hospital sponsored events like Bike Rodeo, Child Safety Day, and the KidSwing Golf Tournament. Because of his excellent communication skills, he has been successful in recruiting and motivating other students and area businesses to help. He has spoken to large employee groups at Bill Utter Ford in Denton and Transwestern Commercial Services in Dallas, inspiring them to commit to his cause. In 2016, when Transwestern heard his story, the company agreed to help him meet his goal of 13,000 toys. Additionally, he has tackled challenges head on including a need for storage, collection boxes, and transportation. In 2012 he enlisted the help of students at Creekview High School to build and decorate more than 80 collection boxes. In 2016, he recruited Glazier Foods of Carrollton and their 18-wheeler to deliver 10,000 toys to the hospital.
Pinson is always working to improve his processes, and his positive outlook, kindness, and service inspire others to do their best. Pinson chooses to view his hand difference as something that makes him unique, and he encourages others to also celebrate their differences. In May, 2017, Pinson was honored as the Texas Middle Level state recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, recognizing one middle school and one high school student in each state for their community service work. Micah also recently received the First Lady’s Rising Star Award from the Texas Governor and his wife. Micah is expanding his commitment to community service, founding a non-profit with some fellow classmates and friends called “Helping Hands One Step at a Time.” This non-profit is dedicated to giving back to those in need across Texas and beyond.
The luncheon will feature Jason Lee, JD Esq., interim president and CEO, AFP International as the keynote speaker. Lee represents over 33,000 individuals and organizations that raise more than $115 billion in charitable contributions every year around the world for countless causes. He will speak about the impact of charity and philanthropy.
“With Americans giving nearly $400 billion to charity every year, and charities making up 10 percent of the workforce, the charitable sector is playing a bigger role than ever in our future,” said Jason Lee. “The future belongs to all of us as we come together under the banner of philanthropy to improve our communities, our country and our world.”
Lee previously served as general counsel for AFP, where he increased its public visibility and awareness by developing political initiatives regarding fundraising and philanthropic issues. He also chairs the Charitable Giving Coalition, a Washington, DC-based consortium of nonprofit leaders dedicated to raising awareness on Capitol Hill about the value of the charitable deduction and its impact in supporting essential community services. He has successfully coordinated AFP’s efforts to persuade Congress to pass several important giving incentives, including the IRA Rollover.
“National Philanthropy Day is a special day set aside each year to recognize the great work of those who are active in the philanthropic community and make an impact our world,” said Luncheon Chair Meagan Burton. “We are not only honoring some extraordinary award recipients, but we are also featuring an inspirational keynote speaker, whose presentation will serve as a powerful reminder of how each of us can make a difference.”
South Texas Money Management (STMM), Greater Dallas AFP’s first chapter sponsor, is premier sponsor of the luncheon.
“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.”
Additional award recipients to be honored at the luncheon are as follows:
For over 46 years, Outstanding Philanthropists Dr. Henry Estess and Sandra Estess, nominated by Texas Health Resources Foundation, have played an integral role in supporting Texas Health hospitals. Focusing on health and education, the couple has shown exceptional generosity with their time, money, and leadership for the benefit of many others not only through Texas Health, but also Children’s Health, Ronald McDonald House, Educational First Steps, and more.
For more than 110 years, Outstanding Corporation Neiman Marcus, nominated by Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), has been giving back to the community. Their philanthropic legacy began in 1907 through founder Herbert Marcus’ generosity to SMU and the Dallas Opera. Today, with a strategic focus on youth arts education, Neiman Marcus Group is dedicated to serving worthwhile causes within communities where their stores and distribution and operational facilities are located (over 100 across the U.S.).
Outstanding Foundation The Hersh Foundation, nominated by Southwestern Medical Foundation and the Resource Center of Dallas, Inc., is committed to enriching and improving the quality of life for all people by supporting initiatives in three categories: education and leadership; mental health research and mental illness prevention; and North Texas cultural organizations. Julie and Ken Hersh began the foundation in 1997 as a way to secure long-term financial commitments to nonprofits in their community. In addition to the providing the lead gift for the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care at UTSW and their support of the Youth First Program at the Resource Center, the foundation also supports local non-profits such as the Dallas Theater Center, the George W. Bush Institute, Dallas Urban Debate, Galaxy Counseling Center, Dallas Black Dance Theater, Dallas Children’s Theater, KERA and Momentous Institute. Julie Hersh will receive the TACA Silver Cup Award in March 2018.
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Lynn McBee, nominated by The Dallas Opera and Dallas Women’s Foundation, is widely known for committing time, talent and philanthropy to benefit worthy organizations throughout the community. McBee has served a wide array of organizations contributing to the arts, culture, and the overall civic profile of Dallas. She serves on multiple boards, has been the recipient of numerous honors, and is the CEO of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, educating over 4,600 underserved young women in eight schools across the state of Texas.
Outstanding Fundraising Executive Pagett Gosslee, CFRE, nominated by John Roppolo, has over 30 years of fundraising experience. She has been the director of development and alumni relations for the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the University of Texas at Dallas since 2009. She has also raised funds for Mercy Ships, Baylor Health Care System Foundation, and Hope Cottage Adoption Center, where she was the first development director in 1988. A member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 1986, she was awarded her CFRE in 1993, chaired the Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon in 1991 and the DFW Philanthropy Conference in 1999, and served as president of the Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP in 2005.
This year, the AFP Greater Dallas Chapter is presenting a Special Recognition Award to Terry L. Simmons, posthumously. Simmons passed away this year at the age of 62. He was a leading advocate for philanthropy in Washington and across the nation with regard to legislative and regulatory issues affecting philanthropy. His crowning professional achievement was preserving for charities the gift annuity and other life income plans, through which billions of dollars have been contributed for public good. In late 1997, The NonProfit Times named Simmons, “Nonprofit Executive of the Year” in recognition of his work. He was also regularly named as one of The Best Lawyers in America, Top 100 Attorneys in America by Worth Magazine, and Texas’ Super Lawyers.
"We are excited to present and pay tribute to these outstanding individuals and organizations that have positively impacted our community through their leadership, vision and generosity,” emphasized Burton, Dallas National Philanthropy Day Chair. “Join us on November 10 for one of the most inspiring luncheons in Dallas!”
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 third consecutive year,” said Stan Shipley, President and CEO, STMM’s Family Offices. “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."
The luncheon will be emceed by longtime supporter Scott Murray. Murray Media, presenting sponsor of the luncheon, produces the luncheon videos featuring the accomplishments of each award recipient.
Luncheon tickets are $85 ($95 after 11/1), $850 for a table of 10, and $1,250 for a premium table of 10. For tickets and sponsorships, visit afpdallas.org or contact Madeleine Crouch at 972-233-9107, ext. 204, afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org.