An occasion based solely on the concept of giving– that is the only event of its kind in the entire state of Alabama — takes place HERE, in Huntsville? Why yes it does ladies and gentlemen.

Creating Educated Givers 

The third annual Summit on Philanthropy, hosted by the Community Foundation of Huntsville/Madison County, will take place on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at ADTRAN’s Mark Smith Conference Center in Huntsville. The Summit is designed to raise the level of charitable giving in Madison County by educating potential donors on the benefits of strategic giving.

It’s no secret that Huntsville is a giving community. There is hardly a day that goes by that there isn’t something happening in our area where we can give back to a worthy cause either by volunteering our time and/or funds. That’s just one of the many things I love about this great community! But what do we really know about being educated, savvy givers? Or do you want to become more charitable, but don’t know where to start? That’s precisely where the Community Foundation (and the Summit) can help…

Charitable Impact

The Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps connect donors with areas of need in Madison County. The Foundation also helps people plan donations and bequests to maximize the tax benefits of donations and, even more importantly, to help local non-profits strengthen their donor bases.

This year’s Summit will present information that will help potential donors make the greatest charitable impact while securing the most significant tax advantages.  A panel of community givers will talk about what motivates them to give.

Breakout sessions will focus on:

• Estate planning
• Developing a passion for giving
• The impact of the economy on giving
• Working with professional advisers to achieve charitable goals
• And more sessions of interest to donors and those who want to increase their level of charitable giving.

Speakers at these sessions will include professional advisers from: 

• Wells Fargo
• Blue Creek Investment Partners
• Iberia Bank
• Dryden Bound & Associates 
• BB&T
• Longview Financial Advisors
• Saliba Asset Management
• Warren Averett Kimbrough & Marino

Benefits of Giving

The Summit will also feature the Thanks for Giving Honors. Philanthropists will be honored in four categories – individual/family, corporation, private foundation, and youth.  In addition, a new category has been introduced this year.  Professional advisors who have played a significant role in helping donors meet their charitable giving goals will also be recognized.

The Summit will conclude with a luncheon and keynote address by Carol Butler, executive director of the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation, a private foundation which seeks to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life in the Birmingham Metropolitan area and the state of Alabama.

I would like to emphasize that this event is useful to people of ALL income levels who want to learn the best ways to give to our community. There truly is something that everyone can learn, and I strongly encourage you to educate yourself on the many benefits of giving through this amazing organization and one-of-a-kind event. I know I have your interest now, so here are all the details!

You can learn more about the Summit on Philanthropy or register by calling 256-535-2065 or clicking HERE. If you need more information or have questions, you can contact Jennie Robinson, Summit Director, by email or by phone at 256-527-1425. Online registration closes on Monday, November 12th so register NOW!

Event Details

Date: November 15, 2012
Time: 8:00 am-1:30 pm
Location: ADTRAN’s Mark Smith Conference Center
Cost: $50 (covers lunch and all materials)
Reservations: Call 256-535-2065 or click HERE.

About the Author

Kristin is a freelance writer and marketing consultant currently based in Huntsville, Alabama. True to her Texas roots, Kristin loves great food, quality time with friends and family, dance-worthy live music and, of course, playing outside. She is a social media junkie, fitness addict, book nerd, animal lover and domestic goddess wannabe that enjoys writing and reading about just about anything. Kristin and her helicopter-flying husband can typically be found on any of Huntsville’s beautiful greenways with their pups Molly and Pepper, or chowing down at one of their favorite local eateries.