Anthony Abraham’s legacy to be honored at philanthropy luncheon
A Knight of Malta, Sir Anthony R. Abraham spent nearly 100 years of his life in service to others. Since 1976, the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation has provided for the needs of thousands of people in Miami-Dade and beyond.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1911, Mr. Abraham was a successful Lebanese-American businessman who built the Anthony Abraham Chevrolet Company in Miami—once the largest Chevrolet dealership in the country.
A Coral Gables resident, he was an honored leader in children’s philanthropic causes and a benefactor of numerous orphanages and children’s medical facilities throughout the world, with special emphasis on helping the people of Lebanon and Haiti. A devout Roman Catholic, he received numerous papal honors.
Mr. Abraham made major donations of his time, talent, and treasure throughout the U.S. and contributed millions to churches, schools, and organizations locally and nationally as well as to several hospitals and charities in Lebanon.
Mr. Abraham was a founding member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital along with his close friend, actor-producer Danny Thomas. Mr. Abraham and his late wife, Genevieve Harris Abraham, sponsored and led the Greater Miami Miracle Ball at the Fontainebleau Hotel for 30+ years. In addition, through the Anthony R. Abraham Family Foundation, Mr. Abraham helped the terminally ill—supporting institutions such as Miami Children’s Hospital and others.
Considered an icon in Miami for more than 30 years, he contributed generously to numerous nonprofit organizations in Miami and other communities including Camillus House and Health Concern, America’s Second Harvest, Feeding South Florida, Miami Rescue Mission, The Victory Center for Autism and Behavioral Challenges, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, Best Buddies, Barry University, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, Alonzo Mourning Charities, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco, among others. Mr. Abraham’s legacy lives on.
The Miami chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will honor the Anthony Abraham Foundation and several of Miami’s philanthropic leaders at the 27th National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Nov. 13 at Jungle Island.
Additional honorees are Christine E. Lynn, Outstanding Philanthropist; Ron Book and Lauren Book, James W. McLamore Outstanding Volunteer Award; BB&T, Julia Tuttle Award – Community Involvement & Corporate Citizenship. The luncheon will be co-chaired by Pat Morris, YMCA of Greater Miami, and Staci Ehrenkrantz, SJE Concepts.
For more information on National Philanthropy Day or to purchase luncheon tickets visit www.afpmiami.org.
