Southern Security Honored as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization by the Association of Fundraising Professionals

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis Chapter honored Southern Security as the 2023 Crystal Award recipient in the category of Outstanding Philanthropic Organization. The award, presented at the Crystal Awards ceremony on National Philanthropy Day, recognizes a philanthropic corporation, foundation, or organization whose grant programs, gifts, and charitable activities enrich the community. The Outstanding Philanthropic Organization awardee is seen as a role model of philanthropic activity serving many segments of the community.

“We are honored and humbled to accept the 2023 Crystal Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations extend to our entire team and partners, who collaboratively contribute to making a positive impact to our community through various forms of support, including monetary contributions, volunteerism, in-kind assistance, and intellectual contributions,” said Dawn Graeter, Southern Security CEO.

Southern Security supported at least twenty-two organizations that serve underserved populations in the Memphis area in 2023. Southern Security has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofits and community organizations over the past five years, countless volunteer hours, and an untold amount of financial knowledge, advice, and guidance to members and organizations of our community in an effort to make it a better place.

While Southern Security is humbled to contribute to the community through traditional philanthropy, the organization’s mission goes beyond charitable giving. It is centered on giving back, maintaining transparent and consistent communication about its financial products, and redistributing organizational financial profits to members through better rates, services, and financial education compared to other financial service providers.

Dawn Graeter, CEO of Southern Security, accepts the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals Crystal Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization from event host Jared “JB” Boyd, Program Manager for WYKR 91.7 FM, DJ, and Multimedia Journalist

Left to Right: John Paul Kavin, Business Development Officer, Southern Security; Melissa King, Chief Credit Officer, Southern Security; Dawn Graeter, CEO, Southern Security; Kirk Wise, Business Development Officer, Southern Security at the 2023 Association of Fundraising Professionals 2023 Crystal Awards where Southern Security received the Crystal Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Organization.

Southern Security volunteers donated and packed over 600 backpacks for area school children in need for the Youth Villages Backpack Heroes Program earlier this year.