Each year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Carolina Chapter joins with national and international colleagues to celebrate National Philanthropy Day, a celebration of exceptional individuals and organizations that have dedicated themselves to philanthropy. Celebrate philanthropy in the Midlands of South Carolina by nominating an individual or organization to be honored at our National Philanthropy Day.

Please click the links to the left to learn more about sponsorship and award nominations.

We are thrilled to announce that this year's National Philanthropy Day celebration will be held on Tuesday, October 8. Join us at Fall for Philanthropy at the Hall at Senate's End for an evening of celebration.

NEW! Cast your vote for our Philanthropic Moment of the Year award. This People's Choice award celebrates a philanthropic moment of the year. From shattering attendance at a fundraiser, to raising a record number in donations, to launching a new campaign, we want to celebrate the hard work being done in our community. Our nominees have been narrowed down and now it's up to you to select the winner. Voting will run until 6pm at Fall for Philanthropy. 

Every vote matters, cast yours here!

McDaniels Golf Classic (Lexington Medical Center Foundation)

For nearly 30 years, Bill McDaniels and Suzanne Pucci have hosted the McDaniels Golf Classic to benefit cancer care in the Midlands. The McDaniels Golf Classic has raised millions of dollars through an annual gala and golf tournament, helping provide critical equipment and services for patients living through a devastating diagnosis. Lexington Medical Center Foundation has been blessed to partner with Bill and Suzanne to host the McDaniels Golf Classic since 2018, together raising more than $1 million to save lives through early detection of breast cancer with 3-D mammography technology. The pair each bring something special to the table to make the event a success. Bill is an outstanding connector, soliciting friends and associates to pony up big bucks to support the mission. Suzanne is a work horse, spending hours upon hours in our office, nailing down logistics and steering planning committees. Their generosity and dedication know no bounds and their ability to motivate others is inspiring. Without Bill and Suzanne, LMC Foundation's first capital campaign wouldn't be the success it is today and we're forever grateful for their friendship.

Walk a Mile (STSM)

In April of 2019, STSM was gearing up to host its biggest and best fundraising event ever - the 10th annual Walk A Mile In Their Shoes. It's an event that thousands around the Midlands know and love, and it offers the community a wonderful way to come together and raise money for STSM's mission - to support survivors of sexual assault and abuse, and to provide prevention education in the community. Sadly, the event had to be canceled this year due to threatening and violent phone calls STSM received leading up to the event. Without hesitation, the community rallied around STSM and survviors, and instead of being pushed down by the terrible phone calls and cancellation, they held mini-walks of their own all around the Midlands to show their support. Moreover, these individuals and groups raised an astounding total of over $90,000 to support survivors and further STSM's mission - which is more than probably would ahve been raised otherwise. It was an amazing show of compassion, support, and advocacy, and we could not be more proud.

Shine On Capital Campaign (The Camp Cole Foundation)

I am nominating The Camp Cole Foundation’s Shine On Capital Campaign for the People’s Choice Award. Camp Cole is a nonprofit organization which is setting the foundation to build a camp and retreat center for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, illnesses, and other life challenges. Inspired by a Cole Sawyer who lost his battle to cancer in 2004, Camp Cole’s mission is to create a safe, accessible, and inspirational gathering space where groups can come together to connect, share, encourage, and shine. Camp Cole officially began the Shine On Capital Campaign in May 2018 and in a short 14 months raised over $5.5 Million dollars. The Shine On Capital Campaign has generated over 600 donors with an average donation of over $1,000.00; This includes 50 donors giving gifts of $10,000.00 or more including one gift of $1,000,000.00, 2 gifts of $500,000.00, and 4 gifts of $250,000.00.