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Food Bank donor awarded the Spirit of Giving Award

Friday November 15, 2019

Mr. Albert Fraenkel was presented the 2019 Spirit of Giving Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Baton Rouge Chapter at its annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. The Spirit of Giving Award is awarded to an individual who exemplifies leadership in philanthropy to impact our community.

Because of Mr. Fraenkel’s generous spirit, the Food Bank nominated him to receive this award as a way to honor and thank him. Not only does Mr. Fraenkel give monetary donations, but he gives his time as well. Whenever he comes to Baton Rouge, Mr. Fraenkel always makes time to stop at the Food Bank to visit with employees and volunteers.

In 2009, Mr. Fraenkel made it possible for the Food Bank to acquire the Fraenkel Furniture Warehouse land and buildings by donating his family’s share, valued at $2.2 million. Without this facility, the Food Bank would not be functioning at its current capacity with this transformational opportunity. Still, Mr. Fraenkel continued to donate funds to the Food Bank, including after the Great Flood of 2016 and in recognition of his employees and friends.

“It is impossible to put into words the deep gratitude we have for the many generous gifts from Mr. Albert, Mrs. Ellie, and the Fraenkel family, which in part established the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank at the Fraenkel Center,” said Senior Vice President of Development and Philanthropy, Charlene Montelaro. “Always humble and modest, Mr. Albert truly embodies the true spirit of philanthropy, the love of mankind. We are so grateful to be able to honor him and thank him for all the many ways he has truly made a difference in our world with his kind and giving heart.”

Other organizations have also benefited from his generosity including B’Nai Israel Synagogue, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, FROMM Institute of Lifelong Learning in San Francisco and many more.

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