The Charlotte chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals honored McGuireWoods counsel Larry J. Dagenhart as its 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, recognizing his long record of leadership benefiting charitable organizations in the Charlotte region.
Dagenhart accepted the award Nov. 15 at the AFP’s annual National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon honoring individuals, groups and businesses for philanthropy and community service. Winners were chosen by the AFP Charlotte chapter’s board of directors and a committee comprised of past National Philanthropy Day honorees.
Dagenhart was nominated by the Council for Children’s Rights and the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, which provide legal assistance to children, families and individuals who cannot afford lawyers.
Dagenhart is a former chair of the Council for Children’s Rights and helped forge a partnership between the organization and McGuireWoods to represent the interests of children who otherwise would have no voice in custody cases. He has led numerous fundraising campaigns, including a successful effort to persuade Charlotte area lawyers and law firms to contribute more to legal aid organizations.
Besides his work with legal aid groups, Dagenhart has served as chair of United Way of the Central Carolinas, Foundation for the Carolinas, and the Arts & Science Council. He also has chaired the governing boards of Davidson College, UNC-Wilmington, and Charlotte Country Day School.
“I am grateful to the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the organizations that nominated me for this honor,” Dagenhart said. “It is especially rewarding to share this with my McGuireWoods colleagues, whose commitment to community service is a hallmark of our firm.”
The AFP is a volunteer organization dedicated to advancing philanthropy through education, training and advocacy. The Charlotte chapter’s annual luncheon brings together more than 500 top regional leaders, foundations and charities.
Last year, McGuireWoods was recognized as AFP’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for the Charlotte region, becoming the second law firm to receive the honor since its inception more than 25 years earlier.