Former Texas Coach Mack Brown, his wife Sally and Matthew McConaughey among Verret’s nominators
Austin, Texas – Feb. 4, 2016 – Businessman and philanthropist Milton Verret is this year’s recipient of the “Philanthropist of the Year” award presented by the Greater Austin Chapter of the A
ssociation of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Mr. Verret was nominated for this prestigious award by Dell Children’s Medical Foundation and MJ&M, the charitable partnership between Texas coaching legend Mack Brown, recording artist Jack Ingram and actor Matthew McConaughey.
“It’s humbling to be named ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ of the year in Austin,” said Mr. Verret. “I’m grateful to recognized for my efforts to give back to the community. I hope to use this honor to raise the profile of the charities that I’ve supported over the years. If we can use this platform to shine a light on their needs, then the true winners of this award will be the kids.”
In 2014, Verret produced the Texas Stampede for Children which raised nearly $600,000 for MJ&M’s designated charities (The Rise School of Austin, just keep livin Foundation, HeartGift, CureDuchenne and Grounded in Music). In 2011, Verret produced CowParade of Austin, featuring his friend, Jay Leno, and raised nearly $1 million for the SuperHero Kids Foundation of Dell Children’s Medical Center. Verret also donated 8 giant guitars to the City of Austin after purchasing them at an auction in 2007 which raised nearly $600,000 for various local charities. The guitars are now on display at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Milton Verret has been a successful entrepreneur for more than 30 years, having marketed and sold more than $2.4 billion in products. He’s achieved great success producing and directing top-ranked infomercials that have aired across all major television networks. Verret learned much of his craft while working with Hollywood studios including 20th Century Fox, Universal, and Paramount.
Over his career, he’s founded and grown several national precious metals companies including US Money Reserve. Verret is now launching a major line of beauty products including Go Smile, a teeth-whitening system, as well as one of the fastest-selling iced tea brands in history, Moonshine Sweet Tea. Even though his professional life packs his schedule, Verret always makes time to participate in major fundraising events, especially those that benefit children.
Nominations for the Philanthropist of the year were submitted by thousands of non-profits throughout the Greater Austin community, as well as the general public in an effort to acknowledge the outstanding achievements by individuals, corporations, foundations, youth, and nonprofit organizations whose contributions have made a significant impact on the quality of life for many people throughout Central Texas. Award winners are chosen by an Awards Selection Committee made up of previous winners and selected community leaders.
Past recipients of the Philanthropist of the Year Award include Michael and Susan Dell (2003), Thomas and Lynn Meredith (2004), Dick and Sara Rathgeber (2008) and Nyle Maxwell, Jr. (1997). The Association of Fundraising Professionals represents 30,000 fundraisers in more than 222 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs. The AFP Greater Austin Chapter, which represents 340 fundraisers, fosters development, and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.
Mr. Verret received his award on February 4, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Austin Hotel. For more information, visit www.afpaustin.org
