philanthropy day

Bob August honored as 2019 Outstanding Philanthropist

Last Friday we joined the AFP Genesee Valley in honoring local philanthropy, including a person very close to our mission.

At Flower City Habitat, Bob August is a regular "Hammer & Saw" construction volunteer, member of our Board of Directors, a generous donor, and so much more.

It was a joy to see his philanthropy work celebrated and to learn more about the other organizations he supports. Please help us congratulate Bob for the well deserved distinction of AFP's Outstanding Philanthropist of 2019!

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From the RBJ:

While humble and quiet about his deeds, Robert W. August’s actions send a strong message about fulfilling one’s duty to help others when you can. He always takes the initiative to get things done and knows when to ask for help.

“While it is true that Bob carries out several community commitments,” Tom Hildebrandt of The Davenport-Hatch Foundation explained endorsing August’s nomination, “I have consistently seen that he manages to give high quality ‘time, talent, and treasure’ to each.”

August starts with causes that are near and dear to his heart and his family.

As a trustee of Hillside Family of Agencies Children’s Center, August leveraged his connections and advocacy to provide a lead gift towards the $1 million renovation of Camp Possibilities, a summer day camp serving 400.

August’s support of Hillside’s nationally recognized Work-Scholarship Connection also helps at-risk youth graduate from high school and continue their education or enter the workforce.

At Hope Hall School, which receives no state or school district funding, August’s efforts help fuel educational opportunities for students who struggle with learning challenges.

In addition to making 101 personal gifts to Hope Hall, August helped to raise $4 million to build the high school and hire the necessary teachers.

Eighty-seven percent of Hope Hall students live in poverty, so August cultivated support from the community to ensure the school can continue to give $400,000 in scholarships each year.

August has been a long-term and fully committed annual donor, board member, and faithful friend of Flower City Habitat for Humanity for over 16 years.

As an on-site volunteer, August worked alongside Habitat homebuyers, adding his sweat equity hours to theirs. The two houses he helped to build are now homes that promote revitalization and growth in their neighborhoods.

August saw the need for a box transport truck at the construction site and personally supported its purchase.

Habitat’s Vacant and Abandoned House Initiative began at the behest of the city of Rochester. August turned to the August Family Foundation for seed money to renovate a house on Parsells Avenue. Soon other private, foundation, and corporate donations followed, allowing for the renovation of six more houses.

August may not realize his influence, but he is a pacesetter that others follow.

“Bob is not bashful about sharing ideas for programs that could benefit from our mutual support,” said Hildebrandt. “A grant from the August Family Foundation is an incredible endorsement that other potential funders invariably take notice of.”

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