Association of Fundraising Professionals recognizes exceptional charitable giving

The local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized three honorees with close University of Missouri-Kansas City ties for their extraordinary charitable contributions on National Philanthropy Day.

The special day, annually on November 15, as founded in 1986 by presidential proclamation of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize charitable giving in all forms. The Greater Kansas City chapter celebrates locally with an annual event to honor individuals and companies that embody the spirit of philanthropy in Kansas City.

The UMKC Foundation nominated people in two categories for this year’s awards; not only were both selected as honorees, a family with close ties to UMKC also was awarded.

Spirit of Philanthropy – Individual

Alvin Brooks (B.A. ’59, M.A. ’73) is a Kansas City hero with close ties to UMKC. As an alum, not only does he have a scholarship named after him for more than a decade, he also received an honorary doctorate from UMKC in 2012. The UMKC Foundation nominated Brooks for the award, and he was selected. The award honors an individual with a proven record of embodying the spirit of philanthropy through financial support, community service and leadership. Brooks has made an impact to not just UMKC but has dedicated himself to Kansas City as a whole.

Spirit of Philanthropy – Family

The Brain family was selected as the honoree for this award. Just like the individual award, the family award honors families that have a proven record of embodying the spirit of philanthropy through financial support, community service and leadership. The Brains have close ties to UMKC; David Brain is a Board of Trustees member. He and his wife, Cathi Brain, give to many areas of UMKC, Including scholarships.

Spirit of Philanthropy –Youth

The award honors an individual or group of young people ages 5 to 23 who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community through direct financial support, volunteer service or charitable partnerships. The UMKC Foundation nominated UMKC Enactus, and it was selected. Enactus is the world’s largest experiential learning organization, with a mission of engaging the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to use innovation and business principles to improve the world. Earlier this year, UMKC Enactus partnered with Operation Breakthrough to keep Kansas City families on the road through its Stay Driven project.