Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: Magnified Giving's 2023 Fall Dinner

Events

Oct 2

October 2, 2023 | Written by Branden Waggoner

On the evening of September 19th, 2023, Magnified Giving gathered friends, supporters, and community leaders at its annual Fall Dinner to celebrate 15 years of empowering youth through philanthropy education. The event, held at Cooper Creek Event Center, was a joyous occasion filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt awards, and a deep sense of community. Guests were welcomed with this video celebrating Magnified Giving’s 15th Anniversary and the progress so many individuals have helped make toward educating youth in philanthropy.

Youth Empowerment: The Core of Magnified Giving

Following a cocktail hour and dinner where guests connected and mingled, Magnified Giving's CEO, Kelly Collison, took the stage to commence the evening's program. In her address, she reaffirmed the organization's core values: Youth Empowerment, Empathy, and Collaboration. Kelly emphasized the critical role of educating and inspiring young individuals to contribute their time, talents, and resources to benefit the greater good. She also extended sincere appreciation to the dedicated supporters, generous donors, committed educators, and visionary board members who have been instrumental in Magnified Giving's journey over the past 15 years.

Honoring Builders of Community

The event featured several awards recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the community and the mission of Magnified Giving.

*Dr. Doug Flora, father of Carter Flora, receives the Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship on his son’s behalf.*

Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship

Carter Flora, an outstanding young leader and recent graduate of Turpin High School, was honored with the Roger Grein Legacy Scholarship. Carter's exceptional leadership was evident in his efforts to significantly increase the membership of the Magnified Giving club at his school and cultivate meaningful relationships with local nonprofits, ultimately resulting in impactful grants. Regrettably, Carter couldn't be present at the event due to a prior commitment—a crucial chemistry exam. In his absence, his father, Doug Flora, graciously stepped onto the stage, conveyed heartfelt words, and accepted the award on Carter's behalf.

Liz Keating presents the Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award to Taylor Young. Liz pointed to her young daughter in the audience, explaining that she was proud to be able to introduce her daughter to role models like Taylor.

Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award

The Bill Keating Jr. Next Gen Award, named in memory of Bill Keating Jr., a dedicated former board member of Magnified Giving, found its deserving recipient in Taylor Young. Taylor, a previous participant in the Magnified Giving Youth Philanthropy Program, embodied the essence of community service. Her unwavering dedication to philanthropy education and giving back to the community served as a true inspiration. The award was presented to Taylor by Liz Keating, Bill Keating's daughter, adding a lovely emotional touch to the evening's recognition

*Magnified Giving Founder, Mr Roger Grein, with the 2023 “Builder of Community” Honorees: Mr. Don Neyer, Dr. Neal Mayerson, and Dr. Donna Mayerson.*

Builders of Community

Drs. Neal and Donna Mayerson were recognized as "Builders of Community" for their outstanding contributions to the region. They lead The Mayerson Foundation, which supports various local organizations impacting education, health, the arts, and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The foundation's commitment to service-learning opportunities for young people was a catalyst for the birth of Magnified Giving.
Mr. Don Neyer, a former Magnified Giving board member, was also honored as a "Builder of Community." His decades-long dedication to philanthropy and community building was celebrated by his children, who shared touching stories about their father's legacy.

In this video, Neal and Donna Mayerson discuss their journey as builders of community and the ripple effects that have resulted from their efforts.

In this video, Don Neyer's four daughters reflect on their father's lifelong devotion to "loving all and serving all."

The event was a testament to the power of collaboration, empathy, and youth empowerment in creating a stronger, more compassionate community.

*Founder of Magnified Giving, Roger Grein, can’t help but grin while the attendees sing him “Happy Birthday” in honor of his 81st birthday on September 20th.*

As the night neared its end, founder Roger Grein graced the stage, offering his heartfelt thoughts and expressing deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Magnified Giving's mission. The warmth of the evening culminated in a joyous moment as the entire crowd came together to sing "Happy 81st Birthday" to Roger, who would celebrate this milestone the following day. Ty Hogan, a dedicated Magnified Giving board member, drew the event close by inviting support for the critical mission of raising up the next generation to give and serve.

The 2023 Fall Dinner was not just a celebration of 15 years of achievement but also a reminder of the critical work that lies ahead. Magnified Giving continues to empower the youth of today to become the community builders of tomorrow, leaving a legacy of empathy, compassion, and philanthropy.

We extend our gratitude to the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Magnified Giving Fall Dinner, KMK Law. Thanks to our other gracious sponsors: KPG Creative, The Sanchez Family, Pendleton Properties, Vonderhaar’s Catering, eXp Realty DiTullio and Sievering Group, Simpletech LLC, and The Collison Family.

Here's to another 15 years of magnifying giving and making a meaningful difference in our world!