The Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapter will celebrate National Philanthropy Day, Nov. 14 at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
Introduced locally in 1987, National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is an occasion that shines a light on the tremendous impact of philanthropy and honors the individuals in the community who have contributed significantly to enriching our world through volunteering and service.
The 2023 honorees represent a diverse group of community members across both counties.
Santa Barbara’s Jackson Gillies is the recipient of the Meet Youth in Philanthropy Award. At 24 years old, Gillies is a singer, songwriter and musician based in Santa Barbara.
His achievements include co-producing and performing in the Emmy Award-winning concert “Teens Sing for Santa Barbara,” which raised some $75,000 for Unity Shoppe’s wildfire and mudslide survivor fund.
Gillies music was featured on a Kenny Loggins compilation album, “CaliAmericana II.” Gillies also reached the top 69 on “American Idol,” with his Facebook audition amassing more than 28 million views.
Gillies made history as the first individual to deliver a TEDx talk about HS (hidradenitis suppurativa) and produced and performed in the inaugural HS Awareness Concert.
To access the complete list of awardees, visit https://community.afpnet.org/afpsbv/events/npd.
The NPD festivities will culminate in an award ceremony where the honorees will be officially recognized for their outstanding contributions. The chapter’s Co-Presenting Sponsors are Kellogg Organization, Montecito Bank & Trust, and the Santa Barbara Foundation.
“Join us for this extraordinary occasion, where the joy of giving takes center stage, and the heartwarming stories of our honorees inspire us all to reach greater heights in our own acts of kindness and generosity,” said Molly Kemper, NPD chair and past AFP SBV Board president.
To learn more, visit https://community.afpnet.org/afpsbv/aboutus/ourchapter.