OPINION: Letter to Philanthropists from Ana VeigaMilton
The long-time gala chair reflects upon the community's remarkable outcomes extending far beyond fundraising goals.
Dear Philanthropic Leaders,
As I reflect on the success of philanthropic events over the past years, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you, my fellow champions of impact, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to making our community better. Your leadership in chairing fundraising galas, balls, luncheons, and campaigns has been nothing short of inspiring. It is your passion and commitment that not only elevate these events but also create a lasting impact on our community.
Through meticulous planning and execution, despite sleepless nights and unseen challenges, we have achieved remarkable outcomes that extend far beyond fundraising goals. As one who has chaired many fundraisers, I also want to acknowledge the daunting work it takes to engage volunteers, set up committees and host meetings, ask for support, and organize silent auctions. The dedication required to sell tables and work closely with staff and venues to create event experiences that are mission-focused, fun, and memorable cannot be overstated. Additionally, the creativity and enthusiasm that permeates each event foster a sense of unity and purpose among attendees, encouraging them to give generously and support our mission of building a stronger, more resilient community.
The ability to connect with others is a testament to our leadership and demonstrates the profound difference one individual’s efforts can make. We not only raise vital funds but also strengthen our community bonds and promote a culture of giving. What we do is invaluable and directly contributes to the success of our shared goals.
Thank you for your incredible contributions. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and Cecil and I are truly grateful to have you as partners in these important causes. We look forward to encouraging, mentoring, and inspiring the next event chairs and hosts and achieving even greater milestones. Let us celebrate our achievements and the positive effects they have on those we serve.
With gratitude and deep appreciation during this Season of Giving,
Ana VeigaMilton
P.S. My husband Cecil and I have had the privilege of chairing several significant events ourselves, including Zoo Miami’s Ball of the Wild and Feast with the Beasts, Jackson Health Foundation’s Golden Angels Gala, the Red Cross Masquerade in RED Ball, the Foundation for New Education Initiatives (Superintendent’s) Gala, the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Pre-event & Luncheon, and the BBBS Miracle Makers Luncheon. We also have hosted/sponsored numerous fundraisers and friend-raisers for the University of Miami, Red Cross Miami, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Girl Scouts, and the BBBS Lori Brener Scholarship Fund’s Bollywood Party. My son Eric co-chairs the Red Cross Party in RED and has led United Way Miami LINC and UM ‘Canes Community. Each of these experiences underscores my family’s commitment to making a positive impact on our community.
Ana VeigaMilton directs Corporate Social Responsibility for United Property Management, owners and managers of almost 9000 residential units in Florida. She also presides over the José Milton Foundation, striving to close the opportunity gap in South Florida, primarily through access to quality healthcare, research, and education opportunities. As co-founder of the Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation, she supports a healthy and clean environment through conservation efforts, our military, and first responders. Ana holds leadership positions and serves on various philanthropic boards, including Jackson Health Foundation (past-Chair), Red Cross Miami (Secretary), University of Miami Citizens Boards (past-President), Zoo Miami Foundation (past-Chair & emeritus director), and United Way Miami (Campaign co-chair). Most recently, Ana became a board member of Girl Scouts Tropical Florida. As an engineering and law alumna, she is incredibly proud and honored to serve as a University of Miami Trustee, working to accelerate UM’s impressive upward trajectory. Ana is passionate about encouraging women and minorities to enter STEM fields and provides scholarships to graduates of the 5000 Role Models and Girl Scout Gold Awardees who choose STEM majors. Ana and her family have been recognized for their philanthropy, community engagement, and volunteerism. She was recently tapped into Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor attained at the University of Miami, was awarded the Power & Influencer Award by the Global Innovative Foundation and named the Latina Pioneer of the Year 2022 by Hispanic Women of Distinction. The community celebrated the first anniversary of the José Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West, Top 5 percent of all US hospitals. The Milton Family’s commitment to South Florida runs deep. Ana and her husband Cecil are blessed with three community-engaged adult children, Alec, Eric, and Diana. The Milton Family resides in Coral Gables.
