Step Up and Live Your Mission By Randy Ring

NOW THAT THE POWERS-THAT-BE have officially acknowledged a fact that has become quite apparent, that our economy is in a state of recession, the question facing philanthropic foundations is: How will the economic recession affect our donation base? Perhaps, a more meaningful question is: How will the economic recession affect the donors giving to those philanthropic foundations?
Those issues will be addressed in short order. One needs to understand the role that philanthropic donations have played in the evolution of society. Philanthropic donations are one of the chief thoroughfares through which societal goals are achieved. The word philanthropy comes from the ancient Greek language—philein, which means “to love,” and anthropos, which means “man.”
There is no doubt that philanthropists have a love for their fellow man and a desire to help mankind improve society by means of endowments that will add value to our quality of life. However, our country is in the midst of a recession, the likes of which most of us have never experienced in our lifetimes. Despite the recession, people remain advocates for their causes and are staunchly committed to organizations that require philanthropic intervention in order to remain solvent.

While giving continues during a recession, it certainly does not continue at a rate comparable to the time before the economic downturn.

Economy Continues Its Downward Spiral
In order to get a better handle on how organizations are managing during these economic hard times, the Bridgespan Group, over a two-week period in November 2008, conducted an online survey with nonprofit executives and received more than 100 responses to the survey. Some of the more dramatic data collected from the survey are as follows:
• 75 percent of nonprofits surveyed had already felt the effects of the economic downturn, with 49 percent cutting their funding between 10-20 percent, and 25 percent having seen their funding cut by 21 percent or more.
• Donors have begun to cut back.
• 61 percent of the responding nonprofits experienced cuts in government funding, while 48 percent reported cuts in their foundation funding.
While giving continues during a recession, it certainly does not continue at a rate comparable to the time before the economic downturn. Ken Berger, President and CEO of Charity Navigator, a New Jersey based nonprofit that is the largest and most utilized evaluator of charities in the country, discussed this point on November 21, 2008 with Bill Hemmer on Fox News. Berger stated that giving was “recession resistant, not recession proof.”
Berger’s organization also conducted a recent survey in which 720 charities reported that their foundations anticipated a 15 percent decrease in funding through this winter. Berger recommends that funders be proactive in their giving strategies, and research potential recipients to determine where donations can serve the most good.

You Think You Have Problems
As the Wall Street picture gets bleaker each day, news of unscrupulous and unconscionable practices by investment scoundrels is coming to light. One such individual who falls into this category is Bernard Madoff, a once well-respected Wall Street investor with billions of dollars in accounts.
Madoff’s “culture of corruption” has had a rippling effect on thousands of people and charitable organizations. Take for example, the JEHT Foundation, based in downtown New York City, which took pride in donating $25-30 million annually to hard-to-finance programs, such as election reforms, criminal justice and juvenile justice issues. With all its money bundled in investment portfolios handled by Madoff, the entire JEHT Foundation has been rendered penniless and has ceased operations.
In South Florida, the effects of Madoff’s scheme have also hit hard. Recently, three family foundations were reported to have invested millions with the disgraced money manager: one operated by Fontainebleau hotel magnate Stephen Muss, who has supported the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the New World Symphony and Make-A-Wish Foundation; another, the Potamkin Foundation, which donates to Miami Children’s Hospital and United Way; and thirdly, auto dealer Norman Braman’s foundation, which has helped organizations such as the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Overtown Youth Center and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. How the foundation’s losses will impact their charitable giving is yet to be seen.

There is no greater manifestation of the “love of mankind” that philanthropists can display than by continuing their policies of intelligent giving.

Time to Step Up to the Plate and Deliver
Philanthropy sets its mark in economic times such as these. The world’s problems do not dissipate because there is an economic recession. Here are a few examples of programs in need.
• Alisons’ Whispers – Alisons’ Whisper’s (www.alisonswhispers.com) is a nonprofit organization based in Rockland County, New York, that provides therapeutic riding and driving to anyone with physical, mental and emotional challenges. The organization has seen a decrease in funding over the past few months accompanied by an increase in horse rental fees. Alison Dolan, the CEO, says that “the needs of the disabled don’t disappear into thin air because the economy is in a bad place. We remain committed to our mission, and hope and pray that the benevolence of givers continues. Otherwise, we may have to cut services if funding is not found.”
• Jackson Memorial Foundation (JMF) – The Jackson Memorial Foundation (www.jmf.org) is the primary fundraising body for Jackson Memorial Hospital of Miami, Florida, one of the foremost medical education and care centers in the world. The JMF conducts philanthropic activities to help support the hospital’s numerous programs. The JMF has suffered a decrease in donations, and now gears its energies toward the Foundation’s own health and growth rather than on the current financial crisis.
• United Way NYC – The United Way NYC (www.unitedwaynyc.org), one of the largest branches in the country, is also feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy. Bertina Ceccarelli, Senior Vice-President of Institutional Advancement for the United Way NYC, says that donations have declined by 15 percent. The effects of this decline can be seen in the streets of NYC.  During the month of December, the number of people and families with small children housed in shelters nearly doubled. Her agency has suffered personnel layoffs this past month, but is desperately trying not to cut any of the core services. Bertina says that the economic crisis has “presented new opportunities to torque up revenues by protecting and solidifying donor relationships.” Her agency has entered the new year with the resolve that each challenge presented is an opportunity to devise new problem resolutions.
There is no greater manifestation of the “love of mankind” that philanthropists can display than by continuing their policies of intelligent giving. These outstanding organizations, along with thousands of others, need funding in order to continue their humanitarian work.
It’s time for the heavy hitters to step up to the plate and give to the organizations that make the greatest difference in people’s lives. Donors have the opportunity to help sustain programs and the people who benefit from them. As the Federal Reserve slashes the key interest rates, banks will have the wherewithal to lend money once again, and the markets around the world should start to rebound.
Still early into the start of a new year, it is a most propitious time to rededicate yourselves to your commitment to give where it’s needed. The problems of the world continue. How will they be solved unless you carry out your commitment to humanity? Step up to the plate and deliver your mission! If you don’t do it, who will? SA

AT&T recently granted $398,214 to the Miami Science Museum. The contribution is part of the AT&T Aspire Program, a $100 million initiative encouraging high school success and college and workforce readiness. The Miami Science Museum will use the generous grant to fund its Upward Bound educational program and expand the number of local 9th and 10th graders involved.  “Through partnerships and initiatives like AT&T’s Aspire, the Museum’s Upward Bound program can continue to effectively address the shortage of science and technology-related professionals needed for the 21st century workforce,” said Gillian Thomas, president and CEO of Miami Science Museum.  AT&T’s Aspire Program is one of the largest corporate commitments ever made to high school retention and workforce readiness. “Our investment in the Miami Science Museum’s Upward Bound program expands math and science opportunities that are critical to prepare our deserving youth to be highly qualified scientists and engineers,” said the Florida president of AT&T, Marshall Criser.

International superstar Will Smith, hot on the heels of the release of his latest film, Seven Pounds, recently paid a visit to Miami Children’s Hospital. Smith mingled with patients in the hospital playroom and handed out stuffed animals to each child. The actor also donated an undisclosed amount to the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, which creates awareness and raises funds for the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children.

THE WOMEN OF TOMORROW school coordinator from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Jalila Moody, was the lucky winner of a brand new Honda FIT from Potamkin Honda. Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami Dade County State Attorney and Jennifer Valoppi, WOT founders and mentors, selected WOT to participate in this special charity raffle organized by the Aventura Marketing Council. About her prize, Ms. Moody said, “I can’t believe this…I really needed a new car and was just starting to look at Hondas, but as a single parent…I was facing some serious challenges. Now I have a beautiful new car—it’s amazing.”  WOT is a mentoring and assistance program for young women in our area.

The Kids and Families Foundation recently celebrated its annual gala at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where more than 300 toys were collected for gravely ill children at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Funds were also raised for The Second Chance Learning Center, the brainchild of noted childhood development expert, Dr. Daniel Armstrong, medical director of the Mailman Center for Childhood Development. Second Chance will help children facing educational obstacles resulting from cancer treatment. Actress Sofia Vergara made a special appearance and talked about the significance this cause has for her and her family. Grammy winner Albita had everyone dancing to the rhythm of her authentic salsa sounds. The event was chaired by Legia Marañon-Garcia. The enthusiastic crowd danced until the late hours and left with the satisfaction that comes from helping children in distress. The Kids and Families Foundation is making a difference by channeling the efforts of their donors to reach those who are most vulnerable amongst us. The organization not only provides toys for sick children, but also the tools necessary to succeed during treatment and after recovery. Programs include the annual toy drive and birthday celebrations, care-package program, educational support, scholarship program and a financial crisis fund.

www.kidsnfamilies.org

PHILANTHROPIST AND AUTHOR KAREN LEFRAK introduced her latest children’s book Jake the Ballet Dog at an event hosted by Gillian Miniter at the Corner Bookstore in New York City.  Book sales will benefit American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet. Parents brought their children who plopped down on the floor or sat in corner seats to read the wonderfully illustrated book about a dog who finds himself backstage where he discovers the wonders of the Nutcracker Ballet. The books were for sale and 100% of LeFrak’s proceeds went directly to the ballet companies.

HOPE FOR VISION recently hosted its 13th Annual Party with a Purpose at the InterContinental Miami. The event raised nearly $1 million to support scientific research and to find cures and treatment for the visually impaired. The nearly 700 guests in attendance enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres courtesy of 19 renowned local chefs, a silent auction with more than 100 items, and fantastic live music and dancing.  During the evening, founder and chairman of Hope for Vision Isaac Lidsky announced the new 20/20 Campaign, which encompasses four major goals: to make 20/20 vision a reality for the millions affected by blinding disease; to raise $20 million by the year 2020; to provide “20/20” grants to 20 up and coming researchers; and to increase HFV’s base of supporters twenty-fold. Honored at the event for their contributions and support of the organization were Donna Shalala, Michael Hanzman, Mark Siegler and Byron L. Lam. In addition, HFV announced the extremely generous $1 million gift from Adrienne Arsht to create the Adrienne Arsht Hope for Vision Retinal Degeneration Research Laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. SA

THE NYU CHILD STUDY CENTER’S ANNUAL CHILD ADVOCACY AWARD Dinner, led by Lisa Pevaroff-Cohn and Gary Cohn, Danielle and David Ganek, and Sukey and Michael Novogratz, raised $5.8 million and marked the Center’s 11th anniversary. Paul Tudor Jones II was honored for his dedication to the fight against childhood psychiatric and learning disorders. The stellar guest list included Jane and Jimmy Buffett, Ellen Barkin, Erica Jong, Jane Rosenthal, Governor Jon Corzine, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Vera Wang, HRH Princess Alexandra of Greece, Maria Cuomo Cole, Julie and Edward Minskoff and Sotheby’s Hugh Hildesley who conducted a spirited live auction.

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BOCA RATON recently recognized Millicent Duvall, representing the Boca Raton Symphonia, as the 2008 Woman Volunteer of the Year during the 21st annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon and Fashion Show. The celebration was attended by more than 500 guests and helped raise $10,000, which was donated to the City of Boca Raton for a free American Music Celebration concert. Platinum sponsor Wollbright Development presented the Boca Raton Symphonia with a $10,000 donation. Mrs. Duvall received a beautiful 14K gold brooch designed by Ivan & Co. “Millicent Duvall represents the spirit of the WVOY award. She has been actively involved in many community organizations and projects in and around Boca Raton, and the Junior League of Boca Raton is very proud to have one of our own sustainers receive this tremendous honor,” said Kristen Ross, president of the JLBR.
Mrs. Duvall coordinated the marketing and administrative efforts to successfully launch the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia and worked diligently to secure funds to share classical music performances annually with school children, grades 3-5, in a series entitled American Landscapes and Landmarks.

The 25th Anniversary Gala for the Children’s Hearing Institute raised almost $1,000,000. Burt Tansky, CEO of Neiman Marcus, was presented with The Institute’s Jule Styne Humanitarian Award for his generous support of The Institute’s mission by Roger Farah, President of Polo/Ralph Lauren. Tansky, a father and grandfather of deaf children, gave a very touching reception speech. “Most of us take our ability to hear for granted. I do not. Hearing loss is devastating,” Tansky told the crowd of 550 that included such giants of the retail industry as Leonard Lauder, Elie Tahari, Leonard Boxer, Andrew Tisch and Penny Glazier.