Greater Dallas AFP Newsletter

October 2025

In This Issue

• President's Message
• September 10 Luncheon Program at Texas Women's Foundation
• National Philanthropy Day Celebration is November 13!

President's Message

Get ready to celebrate!

On Thursday, November 13, we’ll come together for our chapter's 40th Annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the incredible spirit of giving in our community.

For four decades, this event has been the place where we shine a spotlight on the individuals, businesses, and organizations who remind us every day of the power of philanthropy. This year will be no different, except bigger and bolder as we mark our 40th anniversary!

National Philanthropy Day isn’t just about recognition; it’s about inspiration. It’s about stories of generosity and leadership that fuel change, uplift those in need, and make our community such a vibrant and compassionate place to live and work. You’ll leave the evening energized, proud, and reminded of what’s possible when a community comes together.

I hope you’ll join us as we honor this year’s remarkable honorees, celebrate 40 years of impact, and look forward to the next chapter of philanthropy in our region. It will be an evening of gratitude, celebration, and connection you won’t want to miss!

See you on November 13!

With excitement,

Manuel Mesa

2025 President, Greater Dallas AFP

October 22 Luncheon Program

PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION:

Texas Women's Foundation

Campbell Centre II

8150 N Central Expy #110

Dallas, TX 75206 

How Legacy Circles Help Launch or Reestablish a Gift Planning Program

Whether you are starting a planned giving program or looking to breathe life into an existing one, communicating the fact that you are sincerely interested in your donors and want a relationship with them that stands the test of time is far more attractive than announcing a great new way to separate them from their money! Join us as we explore how legacy circles can be used not only to retain donors, but also to attract them to your planned giving program.

This is a perfect session for professionals who have other duties besides planned giving or those who are looking for some simple ways to broaden the appeal for gifts from estates to benefit their organization.

IF YOU ARE A 2025 LUNCHEON PROGRAM SUBSCRIBER:

First and foremost, thank you! If you are a 2025 subscriber to Dallas AFP educational luncheon programs you are pre-registered. If you cannot attend, you may send a colleague in your place!

Learn more and register now for this upcoming event!

Members and non-members are welcome! Discounted rates for emerging leaders age 35 or under and/or with 5 years or less experience as a fundraising professional, member or non-member.



• $50 for non-members
• $35 for members
• $30 for emerging leaders, members or non-members, 35 and under or with 5 or fewer years fundraising experience

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS

Michael George, CFRE, is a Senior Development Officer and has been with The Catholic Foundation for more than 26 years. He is responsible for developing and cultivating donor relationships and assisting individuals and families with donor-advised funds, permanent endowments, and planned gifts to the Foundation. Michael is a member of The Dallas Council of Charitable Gift Planners, The Estate Planning Council of North Texas, is a past president of the Dallas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on the board of the Dallas Estate Planning Council. He is also a past Chairman of the Stewardship Council at his home parish of St. Rita Catholic Community, where he has been a member since 1985.

Jeanne Gates Howell is celebrating her first year with The Catholic Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jeanne spent 15 years as a development professional connecting donors with their favorite causes and helping nonprofits successfully implement strong fundraising strategies, most recently as Director of Development for Ursuline Academy of Dallas. A transplant from Indiana, Jeanne was raised in Dallas and enjoys lasting relationships created within her St. Monica Catholic Church and Ursuline Academy communities. She is a member of Dallas Estate Planning Council, the Estate Planning Council of North Texas, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Ursuline Professional Women's Network and the Serra Club.

Greater Dallas Chapter AFP

National Philanthropy Day Celebration

Thursday, November 13, 2025

at the Dallas Arboretum

Learn more HERE and register now!

Meet Our 2025 NPD Honorees

2025 Outstanding Philanthropist — Gayle, Jim & Dave Halperin

Nominated by Resource Center

2025 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser — Bernie DiFiore

Nominated by The Salvation Army, North Texas Command

2025 Outstanding Fundraising Executive — Sharon Neal

Nominated by Rylander Associates

2025 Outstanding Foundation — Mavs Foundation

Nominated by Dallas CASA

2025 Outstanding Corporation — Atmos Energy

Nominated by Scottish Rite for Children, Texas Health Resources Foundation, Visiting Nurse Association, and The Senior Source

2025 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy — Juliet Cather

Nominated by Alcuin School

2025 Special Recognition Award — Cheryl Unis Mansour

Become a 2025 NPD Sponsor, learn more HERE

Thanks to Our Presenting Sponsor

Member News

Robin Plata, Director of Development with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, has earned her CFRE designation. Congratulations, Robin!

If you've earned your CFRE or been recertified recently and want to share the great news, let us know! afpchapteroffice@afpdallas.org