Three La Jolla business leaders are among nine local honorees at the 42nd annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon, set for Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. National Philanthropy Day is in its 42nd year and is organized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego Chapter (AFPSD). This year’s theme is “Celebrating Philanthropy: Gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure.” Committed to celebrating the rich diversity in the region, National Philanthropy Day recognizes the critical role philanthropy plays in our community and honors those who do it best.
“National Philanthropy Day is a special day because we get to celebrate all the amazing contributions – time, talent and treasure – that make such a difference in our community,” says Pam Becker, director of major gifts and planned giving at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and chapter president of AFPSD. “Every year it’s difficult to select the honorees because we receive so many nominations from so many organizations. This day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the impact of philanthropy in our community. It reminds us of the difference one person or organization can make in the lives of so many.”
More than 100 nominations were submitted this year for review by the National Philanthropy Honorary Committee.
The following La Jolla-area business leaders and their recognitions are as follows: Ernest and Evelyn Rady are recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists and were nominated by Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Zoo Global and UCSD for their dedication to the community. The Radys encourage others to support causes by contributing lead and challenge gifts. They also volunteer their time and remain involved with the people and organizations they support.
Barney & Barney Foundation is recognized as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization and was nominated by Rady Children’s Hospital, Neighborhood House Association, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association, Voices for Children and Walden Family Services San Diego. The Barney & Barney Foundation was formed in 2009 to celebrate the company’s 100-year anniversary and formalize its longstanding commitment to community involvement. In five years of operation, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants to more than 60 nonprofits in San Diego, Orange County and the Bay Area.
Kristin Bertell, MA, CFRE, has been named Outstanding Development Professional and was nominated by UCSD and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. With more than 25 years of experience, the La Jolla resident’s career includes working with fundraising programs such as UCLA Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, the Salk Institute and the J. David Gladstone Institute.