Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Launches “I Am A Philanthropist” Ad Campaign to Highlight the Generosity of Local Residents

The word “philanthropist” it is not a term that many people would be comfortable with using to describe themselves. But a new advertising campaign being launched by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving hopes to show that all of us can be philanthropists. In observation of its 90th anniversary, one of the Hartford Foundation’s goals is to celebrate and encourage all forms of philanthropy, which is defined as “love of humankind.” This new ad campaign is a companion to the Foundation’s signature project done in partnership with WNPR, Words to Give By, which demonstrates how we can all engage in philanthropic activity.

“In addition to growing awareness of giving opportunities at the Foundation, we hope this campaign enables everyone to see a place for themselves to be philanthropists,” said Michelle C. Mays, communications and marketing manager at the Hartford Foundation.

Working with the Avon-based creative firm of Adams & Knight and Middletown photographer Derek Dudek, the Foundation has produced a series of print and online ads that will run throughout the fourth quarter of this year. The campaign underscores the fact that philanthropists exist throughout our region, and each ad highlights an individual donor (or donor family) with a few lines about how they are able to make a difference through their selected form of giving through the Hartford Foundation.

The ads depict residents of all ages, races and economic status who have all chosen to give in a variety of ways including legacy gifts, giving circles, scholarships and donor-advised funds. The campaign features McKinley Albert of Avon, Edwin Anderson of Middletown, Bobby DiBella of Glastonbury, the DiPiazza family of Glastonbury, Jaleith Gary of Hartford, Asha Rangappa of Hamden, Ilka Torres of Glastonbury and Pat Wrice of Hartford. 

For more about this project, visit hfpg.org/philanthropist 

Share your stories of philanthropy on social media using the hashtag #IAmAPhilanthropist 

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