The Association of Fundraising Professionals Indian River County chapter marked its 10-year anniversary with a unique National Philanthropy Day celebration that blended humor with nostalgia. Billed as “A Night that will Move and Entertain You,” the event last Tuesday evening at Riverside Theatre acknowledged the contributions of generous local philanthropists and volunteers over the years.
Forty-four past recipients of philanthropy awards were honored along with the esteemed Dan K. Richardson, who was given a posthumous Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Award for his support of numerous charitable organizations throughout his life. The successful event was co-chaired by Shannon McGuire Bowman and Peggy Gibbs.
Neal Watkins, ministry associate at the Community Church of Vero Beach, and Steve Higgins, AFP president, played hosts during a night filled with laughter and a few tears as they spoke of how the honorees had improved the quality of life in Vero Beach. Their entertaining song and dance routines were interspersed by three videos featuring a dozen nonprofits giving thanks for the transformational gifts they have received over the years.
Watkins joked with and took a “selfie” with Vero’s own superstar, Alma Lee Loy, before speaking of her legacy of philanthropy, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
Loy spoke from the heart about Dan Richardson and his late wife Marjorie, having met the couple shortly after they moved to Vero Beach in the 1950s.
“He was my mentor and he was one of the best friends I have ever had,” said Loy. “One of the joys of my life was to be able to work with Dan Richardson.”
Richardson, former owner of the Gracewood Fruit Company, was an early founder of many local charitable organizations in Indian River County, including the United Way of IRC, Rotary Club, Dollars for Scholars (now Scholarship Foundation of IRC), and the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, and donated to numerous others.
“After he got done talking to someone or other about what he could do, he would end the call by saying, ‘now why don’t you give Alma Lee Loy a call.’ And we gave because he gave,” said Loy. Another standing ovation followed her presentation to the Richardson daughters, Sandy Kahle, Nancy Luther and Susan Hopkins of their father’s award.
“It is a very emotional evening,” said Nancy Luther. “We are very proud of him and our mother. Our father had a way of bringing people together and accomplishing things. He was a good man with good purposes.”
“He was the front person and my mom was his rock behind the scenes,” added Susan Hopkins.
Sandy Kahle said their parents taught them the importance of giving and they in turn have passed that important lesson on to their offspring.
“It is just a natural progression from our parents to our children and now our grandchildren,” said Kahle.
Many of the past honorees in attendance spoke of the value of supporting the community through personal efforts.
“Both of us have been involved in many organizations over the years,” said Sherry Brown, recognized in 2006 with husband David as Volunteers of the Year. “Being acknowledged gives you a sense of responsibility to carry that on. When you ask someone for help, they are more willing to follow your lead when they know you have done the same.”
