Shari Dozoretz Friedman will receive the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hampton Roads Chapter at its National Philanthropy Day Awards Presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
“One of the biggest honors of my life is to be receiving this award,” Friedman says. “I grew up in a family that always gave back to those in need, and we were taught to always share in our good fortune.”
Friedman has worked with a wide range of local nonprofits, including United Way’s Women United 10 for 10 group, Achievable Dream, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Most of her fundraising, however, has benefited the Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads, which is named for her late father, Dr. Ronald Dozoretz.
She served as capital campaign chair and board member for the 12-bed facility, the region’s first freestanding inpatient hospice house, and helped establish a major fundraiser to support it. Friedman credits the many people behind the project, each playing an instrumental part in its development.
“This is not the work of one person or one family,” she says. “I feel so grateful to our extraordinary board, generous donors, community partners, volunteers, and committed advocates to make this a reality and help expand compassionate hospice care in our area. It truly warms my heart to be involved in our first freestanding inpatient Hospice House that has helped so many people in our community during life’s most difficult moments.”
Philanthropy, Friedman says, is essential for organizations that could not otherwise survive. The Hospice House operates at a deficit every year because Medicare covers only part of the cost. An angel fund supports patients who don’t qualify for Medicare and can’t pay out of pocket.
“We deeply believe that every person deserves compassion, dignity, and comfort during life’s final journey,” she says, “but we need the help of the entire community for these organizations to sustain themselves.”
Friedman is one of six honorees this year. The others are Sentara –Health (Outstanding Philanthropist – Organization), Jane Batten (Outstanding Philanthropist – Individual), the Elizabeth River Project (Outstanding Nonprofit in Fundraising), Bert Schmidt (Outstanding Nonprofit Leader) and Brooks Lively, CFRE (Outstanding Fundraising Professional).
The event celebrates the impact of philanthropists and fundraisers throughout Tidewater. Proceeds help fund scholarships and educational opportunities for local development professionals.
