Newport Beach News Share this: NPD Founder Doug Freeman, who received the 35th Anniversary Founders Award, Co-Chairs Elizabeth Kurila and Joan McBride, Amy Sfreddo, representing Presenting Sponsor OCBJ. Photo by Tony Lattimore In 1986, Orange County businessman and philanthropist Doug Freeman convinced President Ronald Reagan to establish National Philanthropy Day to thank those in the community who are the “ultimate givers.” In November, 2020, National Philanthropy Day celebrated its 35 th anniversary with the theme of “Bringing Philanthropy Home.” Each year more than 130 Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) chapters throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada honor the philanthropic efforts of individuals, businesses and groups. Freeman, who continues to participate, says of AFP, “I am so grateful that AFP took on the responsibility early on of sponsoring this effort all these years.”