National Philanthropy Day Awards to Feature Philanthropic Leader Andrew Watt

The Inland Empire Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will honor the work of individuals, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and corporations with an awards luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Historic Mission Inn in Riverside. The event, held in recognition of National Philanthropy Day (NPD) will recognize outstanding leadership and volunteerism in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Tickets are available now for the awards luncheon, set for noon until 2 p.m. In addition to the awards presentations, the program will feature keynote speaker Andrew Watt. Watt, named to the Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50, is president and CEO of Arlington, VA-based Association of Fundraising Professionals. He leads an international nonprofit organization that represents individuals and organizations around the world responsible for raising more than $100 billion in charitable contributions every year for countless causes. “We can expect to hear Andrew Watt talk about resource mobilization from every area of a community. His passion for philanthropy and fundraising is exemplified by his depth and breadth of experience in the nonprofit community for which he is globally recognized,” said Debbie A. Cannon, president, AFP Inland Empire Chapter. “It is a privilege having someone of his caliber address our Inland Empire Chapter members, volunteers and philanthropists.” For 29 years, since President Ronald Reagan first proclaimed Nov. 15 as NPD, AFP Chapters all over the world set aside a day to host events to increase public interest and awareness of the importance of giving. International celebrations of NPD seek to highlight the significance of investing in philanthropy, paying tribute to those who make a difference despite challenging economic circumstances.