DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF UWVFC) is excited to announce that Preston Root officially joined the Million Dollar Roundtable, a global group of philanthropists that have contributed $1 million or more within 3 years to causes through their local United Way. This distinguished group of philanthropists turn their passions into lasting change that builds stronger communities both locally and around the globe. Locally, the Million Dollar Roundtable is recognized as the ‘1941 Society’. Members have a strong commitment to local philanthropy and are invited to exclusive events with the CF UWVFC.
As an advocate for CF UWVFC for decades, Root’s efforts as a donor, board member and Community Foundation division chair closed gaps and opened opportunities for countless people in our community to achieve success. In his lifetime, he has donated generously to the annual campaign, changing lives in our local Volusia and Flagler Counties.
The Community Foundation division, which supports the sustainability of United Way and the philanthropic community in general, sparked larger personal philanthropic interests for Root. Demonstrating his commitment to the sustainability of CF UWVFC, Root invested in EDGE (Every Dollar Gets Empowered), an endowment supporting CF UWVFC, and committed a legacy gift to make a difference in future generations. Root’s generosity doesn’t stop there. This past year alone, he has also supported his philanthropic passions of animal welfare, the Indianapolis Motor Sport Hall of Fame and Speedway, and geriatric care through his Donor Advised Fund (DAF) with CF UWVFC.
“The multiple ways in which Preston invests in the community through CF UWVFC demonstrates his trust in our ability to fulfill his philanthropic vision and we are proud to partner with him to fulfill that vision,” shared Nicole Miller, CF UWVFC Board Chair.
During the intimate reception honoring Root, guests read table placards highlighting grants he made this year. Melissa Nelson, President of the United Way of Florida, joined the event to pin Root and bring a message from United Way Worldwide leaders.
“Preston’s commitment to this community is evident in his charitable giving. It was a pleasure to be present during this recognition and to hear more about his personal story,” said CF/UWVFC Board member and Volusia County Women Who Care founder, Teresa Smith.
“This community has been so good to my family for more than 75 years; it’s part of our vision to foster sustainable support for the programs and people who need help. The Community Foundation of Volusia-Flagler Counties and our DAF [Donor Advise Fund] help us in our area of passion and assure our mission of supporting endowments is fulfilled. God willing we can keep this tremendous honor going for many years.” said Preston Root.
“This is a milestone moment for our organization and for the communities that are impacted by Preston’s gifts,” said Courtney Edgcomb President and CEO of CF UWVFC. “Every gift has a personal story, and we are proud to be a part of Preston’s legacy in this community.”
###
The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are dedicated to building a united foundation in the community by helping those in need. In 2022-2023 CF UWVFC invested $2.5 Million in 120 non-profits serving Flagler and Volusia Counties and had a total impact of nearly $9 Million on the community. For more information, please visit the website www.UnitedWayVFC.org or call 2-1-1 (386-253-0564) if you or someone you know needs help or wants to learn how to Give, Advocate, or Volunteer.
