National Philanthropy Day® Annual Awards honors Meghann Smith

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fairfield County and Connecticut Chapters National Philanthropy Day Annual Awards and Conference is honored to recognize Meghann Smith of New Canaan, as their Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser for 2019. This award honors an individual or family that demonstrates outstanding skills in coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects for the benefit of charitable institutions.

Meg has spent her time dedicated to efforts and advocating for causes that are near and dear to her. In 2013, working with Danbury Hospital, Meg and her husband, Greg, were able to bring their vision of a new and greatly needed pediatric emergency department to reality by providing the necessary financial support to open the Mr. and Mrs. Gregory D. Smith Pediatric Emergency Department at the hospital. Furthermore, the Smiths continued their philanthropic efforts with Western Connecticut Health Network in creating the first Endowed Chair supporting palliative care for the entire network by establishing the Andrew Cruz Endowed Chair for Palliative Care in 2017.

Meg has also been involved with Ability Beyond, a non-profit organization serving over 3,000 individuals with disabilities in Connecticut and New York. She has graciously chaired the Ability Beyond Gala for the past three years and is once again taking the helm chairing the committee for 2020. Most recently she has joined Ability’s campaign committee tasked with raising $25mm to continue the efforts of the 66-year-old organization and expand their services. She also has been a member of the Eagle Hill Benefit Committee since 2018 and co-chaired this past year’s benefit. Not only has Meg provided her invaluable talent but has generously provided all of the flowers and décor for the past two years and will be doing the same for the 2020 benefit as well. Once again, this year, Meg took up the cause for Eagle Hill and accepted a nomination to the Board of Trustees and was unanimously approved by her peers to the new position.

Meg recently opened Calmë, a wellness center offering sauna and spa services in New Canaan. “I wanted to create something very special for people where they could spend a portion of their day to take a deep breath and feel relaxed”.

Join us on November 8, 2019 at the Trumbull Marriott and Conference Center for this inspiring awards breakfast recognizing Meg and other awardees. Immediately following are educational programs which focus on board leadership and governance, fundraising best practices, marketing and communication, and organizational challenges. The conference is open to the public and professional fundraisers, consultants, board members, volunteers, and other nonprofit leaders can benefit from the educational sessions offered.

Advanced registration is required. Ticket prices vary and include options such as Student ($125); AFP Members ($175); and Non-AFP Members ($225). Tickets for the Awards Breakfast Only ($50) are also available. Donations are welcome.

For more information or to purchase tickets or become an event sponsor, please visit www.afpfairfield.org/NPD2019.

AFP empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy. Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its 31,000 members in more than 240 chapters throughout the word. To learn about the benefits of AFP Membership, please visit http://www.afpfairfield.org/.

Thank you to the early sponsors Ability Beyond, Aquarion Water, Bank of America Private Bank, bloomerang, CCS Fundraising, compumail, Diocese of Bridgeport & Foundations in Education, EveryAction, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, First County Bank, Iona College, Iroquois Gas, Little Green Light, MCommunications, Nuvance Health, Principal, Valley Community Foundation, Webster Bank, and Yale New Haven Health.

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