National Philanthropy Day 2024 honorees announced

May 24, 2024 | Erin Scott, Special to The Desert Sun

The Coachella Valley is an exceptionally generous community filled with individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations who are committed to making our area a better place for all.

To celebrate those in our community going above and beyond, the Association of Fundraising Professionals CA, Desert Communities (AFP) chapter proudly announced a record 64 nominees and revealed the individuals and organizations who will be recognized at the 18th Annual National Philanthropy Day in the Desert (NPD) on Nov. 1. This prestigious honor recognizes those in our community who change the world with a giving heart.

This year’s honorees were unveiled at the AFP’s May 17 luncheon sponsored by The Center. Announced by the Chair of the National Philanthropy Day Awards Committee, Heidi Maldoon, and Calista Vassios, vice president of resource development, the six 2024 honorees were celebrated for their passion and dedication to our community.

“National Philanthropy Day honors our community’s philanthropic champions who give so generously through their time, expertise and financial support,” said James Lindquist, AFP board president. “Since 2007, we have honored 98 individuals and organizations whose passion, dedication, and efforts have changed our community for the better.”

The 2024 National Philanthropy Day honorees are:

Outstanding Philanthropist: Bobbi Lampros. An unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around her fuels Lampros’ generosity. For her, a heartfelt passion for giving back that began at an early age now extends across numerous organizations across the Coachella Valley, including AAP Food Samaritans, Desert Arc, DAP Health, McCallum Theatre and Oak Grove Sanctuary Palm Springs, among many others.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Josh N. Zahid. As senior development officer and guild liaison for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation, Zahid is dedicated to raising funds to support providing critical health care to children in southern California. His successful fundraising career is rooted in his dedication for helping others and commitment to helping donors find the causes they’re most passionate about.

Outstanding Nonprofit Founder: Sheila Thornton. A visionary and transformational leader, Thornton is dedicated to ensuring that all Coachella Valley students succeed in college, career and in life. As the president and CEO of OneFuture Coachella Valley, Thornton is transforming lives, strengthening the community and building economic prosperity throughout the Coachella Valley.

Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation: Desert Oasis Healthcare. Desert Oasis’ unique approach to philanthropy is transforming the Coachella Valley. Through generous financial support, strategic partnerships and employee engagement, Desert Oasis Healthcare is amplifying the important impact of more than two dozen nonprofits throughout the Coachella Valley, including Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley, American Heart Association, Desert Cancer Foundation, FIND Food Bank, Joslyn Center, LifeStream Blood Bank, Mizell Center and Women Leaders Forum.

National Philanthropy Day’s exclusive media sponsorship is provided by Palm Springs Life, KESQ News Channel 3, and The Desert Sun.

For information on sponsorship, becoming an AFP member or attending NPD, contact Zahid at jnzahid@llu.edu, call (909) 226-1085 or visit afpcadesert.org.