The United Way of Martin County Foundation recently presented Fred and Betty Kopf with the 2021 Frances Langford Humanitarian Award for their extensive philanthropic efforts throughout Martin County. The prestigious Frances Langford Humanitarian Award recognizes community leaders who demonstrate caring dedication and compassion for humanity in their lives and deeds.
Fred and Betty Kopf have been long-time supporters of United Way and have been honored with several awards for their generosity and devotion to improving the community. They have been members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society since 2005. In 2017, they were awarded the Alexis de Tocqueville Outstanding Philanthropist Award by United Way of Martin County.
“This community has long been known for its generous residents, like Fred and Betty Kopf, who have a deep commitment to philanthropy,” said Elisabeth Glynn, CFRE, United Way of Martin County director of philanthropy. “In fact, Martin County was recently named the No. 2 most generous county in the state, and at no time has that been more apparent than in the last year when many of our community members needed extra support.”
Due to pandemic concerns, the United Way of Martin County Foundation made the difficult decision to cancel the Frances Langford Award Reception. The lack of fanfare, while disappointing, was a fitting way to honor the Kopf’s sense of modesty and their quiet, humble, and inconspicuous giving that has spanned several decades.
Originally from Baldwin, NY, Fred received a bachelor’s degree from Brown and an MBA from NYU and had a 40-year career as an investment analyst in New York. After graduating from Bucknell University, Betty moved to New York, where she was the office manager of the animal behavior department at the America Museum of National History. While raising three children in New Jersey, she was an active volunteer, including serving as Captain of Westfield Rescue Squad. The couple has been Florida residents for over 25 years.
Previous humanitarian award recipients include:
2011 – Robert & Carol Weissman
2013 – Barbara Briggs Trimble
2014 – Prestley & Helen Blake
2015 – Douglass & Patricia Stewart
2016 – John & Susan Sullivan
2017 – H. William Lichtenberger
2018 – Bob and Jan Crandall & Bill and Audrey Crandall
2019 – Joe and Margaret R. Temple
2020 - John & Linda Loewenberg
The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award reception is the signature event of the United Way of Martin County Foundation. The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award honors the memory of Frances Langford, singer, and actress who resided in Martin County until she died in 2005. Langford listened to the needs expressed by her community and tried to give back in ways that made all stronger. She trusted the United Way of Martin County to help the people and causes she cared about in our community.
The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award sculpture is a signature piece by Geoffrey C. Smith created especially for the United Way of Martin County Foundation.
Top sponsors include Bob and Jan Crandall & Bill and Audrey Crandall; John and Linda Loewenberg; Robert and Carol Weissman; Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James; and H.W. Lichtenberger.
About the United Way of Martin County Foundation
The United Way of Martin County Foundation is an independent public charity uniquely positioned to accept legacy gifts and build an endowment fund to meet the current and future unmet needs of Martin County. Please remember the United Way of Martin County Foundation in your will or estate plan.
Many donors give generously to United Way of Martin County’s annual campaign as a way to combat the daunting challenges our community is facing today. By leaving a legacy gift to the United Way Foundation, donors can continue to support our beloved community into the future.
The gift principal will be held in perpetuity with our Foundation as an endowment. Earnings from these endowment gifts will continue to grow and be used to support the community’s future needs through the Foundation as a supporting organization of United Way of Martin County.
Funds are managed by a team of independent investment professionals under the watchful eye of an Investment Committee comprised of knowledgeable investment experts.
United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to enhance healthy living, improve education and support financial stability.
For more information about United Way of Martin County, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org or call 772-283-4800, ext. 2212.
