Gregg Kelley, Director of Development

National Capital Philanthropy Day (NCPD) is an annual gathering that celebrates philanthropy in Washington’s metro area.  Produced by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Washington DC Metro Area Chapter (AFP DC), the luncheon is an opportunity to bring together our community to recognize that the spirit of philanthropy is a common thread that runs throughout a very diverse region.  Today’s sold out event demonstrates that the benevolence of our society has not taken a back seat to the economic pressures that have been so pervasive for the past several years. 

I have the distinct honor to be Co-Chair of NCPD, along with Lisa Harter of the George Washington University Medical Center, for the second year in a row.  We are very excited to announce that a hard working event committee has raised 30% more this year compared to last year’s successful event.  All of the proceeds from NCPD go to support the educational programs of AFP DC, so this event’s impact will provide additional resources to further the cause of philanthropy.

Each year, NCPD honors several people and organizations that have made a significant difference in making the Washington region a better place for everyone by demonstrating outstanding charitable contributions of time and resources.  This year, we will be recognizing the following:

Outstanding Philanthropist - Dr. Jaylee Montague Mead and the late Gilbert Mead
Outstanding Fundraising Professional - Pam King Sams, CFRE, Children’s Hospital Foundation 
Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer - Rosemary Tran Lauer, Devotion to Children 
Outstanding Diversity Leader - Frankie Blackburn, IMPACT Silver Spring 
Outstanding Corporate Partner - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Outstanding Foundation Partner - Consumer Health Foundation 

NCPD is a major undertaking and would not be possible without the charitable community’s support.  This year we are fortunate to have eleven co-convening organizations and an amazing group of nonprofit umbrella groups with members across the region who help spread the word about NCPD.  In addition, charitable organizations can participate in the Honor Your Own program which allows them to showcase organizations and people that have made a difference in their ability to continue their missions.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) designates November 15 as Philanthropy Day, and the over 220 chapters globally recognize this special day by holding events during the month that highlight the generosity of their regions.  AFP exists to foster the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the profession, to promote high ethical behavior in the fundraising profession and to preserve and enhance philanthropy and volunteerism.  AFP is unique in that it requires its constituency to sign and follow a Code of Ethics, along with following the guidelines set out in the Donor Bill of Rights.  This year is particularly important as AFP celebrates its 50^th Anniversary.