The North Carolina Triad Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognized the winners of the 2019 AFP Philanthropy Awards at a luncheon held on Nov. 25, National Philanthropy Day. That November day is set aside each year to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – to the enrichment of our world.
UNC Greensboro’s nominees for two of the awards were selected:
- Tom and Linda Sloan for Outstanding Philanthropist – Greensboro
- Dame’s Chicken & Waffles for Outstanding Business in Philanthropy – Greensboro
Tom Sloan and Linda Sloan ’82 MFA have had a profound effect on the Triad’s educational, arts, non-profit, and faith communities. Through support of organizations including UNCG, the United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, Cone Health System, Triad Stage, the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, and the Greensboro Jewish Federation, the Sloans have directly invested in their community and region, and also have created a foundation of support by encouraging others to join them in their philanthropic endeavors. With an eye for business and community development and a vision for the future, the Sloans’ extensive leadership on boards and committees across the Triad has shaped the organizations they support into sustainable, innovative institutions with the capacity to significantly impact the culture and community of the region. “Giving is not a burden; it is a privilege,” says Tom Sloan. “For us it is also an opportunity because we have chosen to be actively involved in the organizations to which we donate.”
As entrepreneurs and philanthropists, Damion “Dame” Moore ’95 and Randy Wadsworth ’95 recognize the powerful connection between business and the community. In addition to providing community support as vendors and sponsors for numerous local charitable events, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles is committed to providing employment opportunities for those who lack experience but are seeking to better themselves. Moore and Wadsworth know investing in people and the community is not only a good business decision, it is the right thing to do. Moore and Wadsworth are also personally invested in local higher education, paving the way for future community-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders. Both regularly return to their alma mater, UNCG, to share their experiences, and they have established the Moore-Wadsworth Endowed Scholarship to support business students there. In addition, they support NC A&T’s Campus Life Mentors program. Because Moore and Wadsworth believe that philanthropy grows as it is celebrated, they sponsor an annual community volunteer appreciation event at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles locations in Greensboro and Durham.
