2023 National Philanthropy Day Honoree
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has selected Ron Book as their Lifetime Achievement honoree. This prestigious award is given at the discretion of the Awards Selection Committee and the AFP Miami Chapter. Earlier this week, Ron Book was also honored by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce with the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Award of Excellence for vision and leadership of downtown Miami and his work to end homelessness.
Ron Book is a highly respected figure in the field of government affairs and administrative law, with a career spanning over 40 years. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Ronald L. Book, P.A., a law firm he founded in 1987, having earned recognition as one of the premier lobbying firms in Florida. Ron’s extensive expertise in governmental affairs began in the Florida Capitol, where he initially served as an aide in the state Legislature, and later, he held the position of Director and Special Counsel of Cabinet and Legislative Affairs under former Florida Governor Bob Graham.Throughout his career, Ron has cultivated a diverse client list, representing a wide range of businesses, healthcare institutions, higher education establishments, local governments, and professional associations. His firm’s reputation has attracted some of the most prominent names in these sectors. A tireless advocate for those less fortunate, Book has also dedicated hundreds of thousands of hours of pro bono service and leadership to many groups over decades of practice.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron Book has been an active and dedicated member of the South Florida community. His work has led to tens of millions in funding and successful lobbying for many groups. He has served in various community leadership roles, including Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust for 30 years, a trustee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council. Additionally, he has contributed his time and expertise as an active board member for organizations like the Mourning Family Foundation, Best Buddies, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and Neighbors 4 Neighbors.
“I’ve worked with Ron Book for more than 20 years and have seen first-hand the strong personal commitment he has to service,” Kelly Mallette, Senior Director of Government Affairs for Ronald L. Book, P.A., said. “Whether it is assisting individuals experiencing homelessness or protecting children from abuse, he simply does not stop fighting for those in need. Frankly, when it comes to these types of issues, I don’t think the word “no” is in his vocabulary. This award couldn’t be more deserving.”
“Ron Book has been a pillar in our community for decades,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, said. “In chairing the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, Ron has worked tirelessly to ensure all people in our community have the most basic dignity of sleeping with a roof over their head. Through Ron’s leadership, Miami-Dade is better equipped to provide not only a safety net for those experiencing homelessness, but the resources and systems needed to end the cycle once and for all. I applaud Ron for receiving The Lifetime Achievement Award and thank him for his lifelong commitment to combating homelessness in Miami-Dade County and beyond.”
“Ron Book couldn’t be more deserving of this award because service isn’t just something he does – it is at the core of who he is,” said NBA Hall of Famer and OYC founder Alonzo Mourning. “For over 20 years, Ron has partnered with us to impact and transform the lives of children and families in our community. He’s made it his personal mission to protect and provide for the most vulnerable among us, and, as an active member of our board of directors, we’ve seen the fruits of that labor first-hand. We are just one of the countless causes to which Ron gives his time, talent, and treasure because he is steadfast in his dedication to fighting for those in need. Congratulations to him on receiving such a distinguished honor.”
“Since its creation nearly three decades ago, Ronald L. Book has helped to shape and guide the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust as a committed volunteer member of the board,” said Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust Executive Director Victoria Mallette. “As the board’s current Chair, his leadership, passion, and commitment to helping the least, last, lost, and forgotten is unparalleled. Under Mr. Book’s leadership, unsheltered homelessness in Miami-Dade County has been reduced by nearly 90 percent, more than 14,000 people experiencing homelessness are served each year, by Miami-Dade’s continuum of care as it continues to be recognized as a national model.”
Notable, Ron Book is also the Chairman of the Lauren’s Kids Foundation, a charitable organization he co-founded with his daughter, Lauren. This foundation is dedicated to preventing childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness while providing crucial support to survivors on their path to healing. Ron Book’s career and philanthropic efforts reflect his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the realms of government, community service, and charitable initiatives.
“On behalf of the Lauren’s Kids Foundation, congratulations to our Chairman and my dad, Ron Book, as he is honored by The Association of Fundraising Professionals for his lifetime of service helping those in need,” Senator Lauren Book, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, said. “His tireless advocacy has shaped dozens of laws to make the State of Florida safer for children, and his leadership has helped Lauren’s Kids shatter the stigma surrounding child sexual abuse while raising awareness, educating communities, and helping survivors heal. Florida’s children are safer because of Ron Book.”
“Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals is a humbling and deeply meaningful honor,” says Ron Book. “Throughout my career, I have strived to be a tireless advocate for those in need and to make a positive impact on our community. It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated individuals and organizations in the pursuit of a better tomorrow. This award is a testament to the power of service, the importance of giving back, and the potential we all have to create lasting change. I am truly grateful for this recognition, and I am more committed than ever to continue my journey of service and philanthropy. As I continue to work to make this place better than I found it.”
The 36th Annual National Philanthropy Day Anniversary Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, November 2 at Jungle Island 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL
To learn more about Ronald L. Book, P.A., visit: https://rlbookpa.com/
