Dear Family, Friends & Colleagues:
As always, we hope our #ThankfulThursday reflection finds you and yours well.
Today, it is with immense humility and gratitude that we share that our family has been honored with the esteemed 2023 Outstanding Philanthropist Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) presented at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to AFP, its members and attendees for recognizing our commitment and passion towards community service.
Special thanks and appreciation to The Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas G. Wensky and our dear friends Trish and Dan Bell for their moving video presentation and for joining our entire family at the luncheon.
In our journey of giving, volunteering and service, we find inspiration and guidance in the words from the Holy Scripture in Luke 12:48:
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
This powerful verse serves as a constant reminder of our responsibility to share our blessings and make a positive impact in the lives of those less fortunate.
It is our faith that fuels our commitment to philanthropy, driving us to extend our hands and hearts to uplift our community.
Accordingly, Marile and I accept the 2023 Outstanding Philanthropist Award as a testament to the collective spirit of giving that thrives in our community.
We are honored to be in the company of our fellow award recipients, each of whom has dedicated themselves to causes greater than their own;
Champion of Philanthropy Award: David Lawrence, Jr.; Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron Book; James W. McLamore Outstanding Volunteer Award: Elizabeth “Liebe” Gadinsky; Julia Tuttle Award for Community Involvement & Corp Citizenship: Bilzin Sumberg; Outstanding Grant Maker Award: The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation; and Youth in Philanthropy Award: Julie and Charlotte Krass.
Each story, each act of kindness, underscores the incredible tapestry of compassion that we, as a community, have woven together.
As Marile always say, the essence of philanthropy is not just in giving but in the difference it makes in the lives of others.
Thank you for reflecting with us.
Know we cherish your friendship and support; it has been our guiding lights.
With heartfelt gratitude and warmest regards,
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq
We recently had the privilege of sharing our journey and reflections with Gloria Burns with Miami’s Community Newspapers. For a deeper glimpse into our conversation, we invite you to watch the clip linked here.
