[new_royalslider id=”57″]The Delaware KIDS Fund announced a year-end initiative that will benefit 25 different local non-profit organizations, in 25 days. Also made were contributions to food pantries.
Beginning Monday, November 25th and lasting through Friday, December 27th, the Delaware KIDS Fund will make a surprise visit to a different area non-profit, donating $100 to their cause. The Delaware KIDS Fund has identified 25 local non-profits all with a focus on youth initiatives.
“We feel this is a great opportunity to recognize some incredible organizations in our community that work tirelessly on providing a better future for our next generation”, said Thomas J. Hanna, president/founder of The Delaware KIDS Fund.
The Delaware KIDS Fund will announce each non-profit, daily through its own Facebook page beginning on November 25th (www.facebook.com/DEKIDSFund).
Donor matching opportunities will be available once the campaign begins. If any person, business or organization is interested in matching the KIDS Fund donations, contact Ryan Kennedy at the Delaware KIDS Fund: rkennedy@harveyhanna.com or 302-323-9300 Ext. 17.
To help kick start the KIDS Fund 25 Days of Giving, the fund also made three separate donations to three area food banks in an effort to help fight the on-going hunger problem prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The Delaware KIDS Fund recently made three “Hunger Stops” donating $1,000 each to Bridge of Hope Food Basket at Calvary Baptist Church in Wilmington, Limestone Food Closet at Limestone Presbyterian Church in Pike Creek and the Cape Henlopen Food Basket in Rehoboth Beach.
Sears wins philanthropy award
Delaware Community Foundation President & CEO Fred Sears was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award on Wednesday, November 20, at Delaware’s National Philanthropy Day convention.
The award, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, recognized Sears for his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, AFP President Don Baker said.
“Fred is a true community servant who has devoted much of his life to helping others,” Baker said. “Whether it’s through his fund-raising expertise, his abilities as a convener and facilitator, or his incomparable knowledge of our community, Fred is always working toward making Delaware a better place.”
Sears has been CEO of DCF since December 2002. Under his leadership, the DCF has doubled its charitable assets and tripled its annual grant distribution, now averaging $13 million each year. Sears also has helped numerous programs that encourage more people to get involved in philanthropy, including the African American Empowerment Fund, the Fund for Women, the Youth Philanthropy Board, and The Next Generation.
He has served as a community leader in the greater Wilmington area and with organizations serving residents throughout Delaware for almost 50 years. He previously had a 38-year career in banking, most recently as president of Commerce Bank/Delaware. Early in his banking career, Sears took time out to serve as finance director and director of commerce of the City of Wilmington and director of the Port of Wilmington. He was a member of City Council 1976-1984 and has continued to be politically active. Sears has been a member of the boards of directors of more than 40 community nonprofit organizations.
Delmarva donates smoke alarms
Delmarva Power’s Emergency Services Partnership Program recently donated smoke alarms to the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office and carbon monoxide detectors to the City of Wilmington Fire Department.
The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office received 750, 10-year long-life fire safety alarms. The City of Wilmington Fire Department received 200 carbon monoxide alarms for residents who may not be able to afford them. The Lowe’s Home Improvement Center in the Brandywine Town Center supplied the smoke alarms at a reduced cost to help support this effort. Since 2000, Delmarva Power has donated 18,750 regular smoke alarms; 1,042 special needs smoke alarms; and 1,850 carbon monoxide alarms.
