National Philanthropy Day is celebrated across the country on November 15 as a means to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world. This official day of recognition is formally supported by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and hundreds of other nonprofit and for-profit organizations throughout North America. In fact, more than 100 communities and 50,000 people around the world participated in NPD events and celebrations.

This year, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation chose two separate occasions to thank the many recent and historical donors who have generously supported the mission of Plymouth Harbor to nurture a compassionate, caring community filled with that zest for life.

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

The first event we participated in was the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) 28th annual luncheon at Michael’s on East, where over 500 people gathered to celebrate the philanthropists in the county who give of themselves and their treasures to make our county the best it can be.

This year, the Plymouth Harbor Foundation sponsored a table to recognize our resident Joanne Hastings and her gift to the Foundation to support the Wellness Center Renovation.  Mrs. Hastings was among a small group of seven notable philanthropists well known in our community who were each nominated for the honor of Outstanding Individual Philanthropist.

Among them was Charlie Huisking, whose mother resided at Plymouth Harbor until her passing.  Others were Graci and Dennis McGillicudy, Drs Bob and Patricia Gussin, Alfred and Jean Weidner Goldstein, and Dr. Philip and Nancy Kotler.

Celebrating the Spirit of Philanthropy

The second big event was our own first Spirit of Philanthropy Celebration on November 14 held at Plymouth Harbor in the Mayflower Dining Room and Plymouth Rock Café. Over 175 guests came together to help celebrate the impact philanthropy has had on life at Plymouth Harbor over the years.

Our dining services amazed us once again with a spectacular dinner buffet with carving stations.  The bar staff was kept busy while live music drew dancers to our beautiful and portable dance floor in the Plymouth Rock Café. We can thank our dancing Starrs, resident philanthropists Phil and Barry, for the dance floor!

The centerpiece of the evening was the premiere of the first Plymouth Harbor Foundation video to honor the rich heritage of philanthropy at Plymouth Harbor.

It was truly an amazing celebration sponsored by our local Northern Trust, for which we are sincerely grateful.

Photos
Top right: Joanne Hastings

Middle right: L to R: Gene Heide, Nancy Hobson, Janey & Jon Swift, Celia Catlett & Harry Hobson

Right: L to R: Glenn Shipley, Barbara Lane, Diane Muir, Phil Delaney, President, Mary Pat McNally, Lori Sutton & Rick Gomez.