Ray Rickman: AFP’s 2019 Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen

This year’s National Philanthropy Day awards, presented by the RI Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will be headlined by the presentation of the Outstanding Philanthropic Citizen Award to Ray Rickman.

Rickman is “well known thanks to his years as a state representative and deputy secretary of state, as well as for his commitment to supporting those in need. Rickman is responsible for starting the groundbreaking non-profit organization, Adopt a Doctor. In addition, Rickman also helped to develop and launch wellness nonprofit, Shape Up RI (Virgin Pulse). Ray brought in significant funding from many prominent organizations and helped Shape Up RI to build a grassroots movement that made a tremendous impact on the state and improved the health of tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders.

Currently, Rickman runs Stages of Freedom, a nonprofit which Rickman conceived in order to promote and celebrate African American culture and empower youth. In particular, the organization’s Swim Empowerment program has taught countless African American children to swim, saving lives and improving their overall health and well-being. More recently, Rickman helped to open a storefront to increase the visibility of Stages of Freedom, which provides a space for an African American history and cultural museum and shop. It is because of Ray’s talents and commitment that Stages of Freedom won the 2018 Innovation Award from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities.”

The event will be held on Friday, November 22nd, 8-10am, at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet and will include almost 100 other awards, among which are:

Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation – 94HJY Radio

Outstanding Philanthropic Business -Russell Morin Catering and Events

Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship – Holly Viphakone, Woonsocket High School

Individual Seats: $65 Friends Table Sponsor (non-profits only): $550.

To purchase tickets click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-philanthropy-day-2019….

About National Philanthropy Day

 Each November, local chapters of the Association for Fundraising Professionals throughout the world set aside one special day to recognize the significant impact of philanthropy and it’s called National Philanthropy Day (NPD).

Since 1987, The Association of Fundraising Professionals Rhode Island (AFP-RI) and more than 100 non-profit organizations have come together to honor outstanding philanthropic contributions of corporations, small businesses, individuals and groups. Through philanthropy and volunteering, these individuals and organizations have made a real difference in the lives of men, women and children in Rhode Island and southeastern New England.

During the National Philanthropy Day event, recognition is given to more than 100 Partners in Philanthropy by non-profit organizations who want to honor outstanding volunteers and donors. Learn more about how your organization can thank and honor your Partners in Philanthropy; a person or organization that has furthered the achievement of your organization’s mission through significant generosity, outstanding leadership or exemplary volunteer contributions.