Local Philanthropists and Organizations Boost Fresno Health and Services

The Association of Fundraising Professionals California Valley Chapter will hold its National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Nov. 13 in Fresno to recognize 14 local leaders, businesses and foundations whose charitable giving has shaped services across Fresno County. The annual event spotlights private philanthropy that supports hospitals, social service agencies and neighborhood nonprofits at a time when community needs remain high.

Carl and Lulu Mitchell, a Clovis couple who previously won a large Powerball prize, will be honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist award. The Mitchells have since donated millions of dollars to local causes, including a one million dollar gift in 2019 to Community Medical Centers for the Community Cancer Institute. Their contributions have been cited by local health providers as helping expand cancer care capacity and patient support services within the hospital system.

The luncheon will also recognize OK Produce as Outstanding Corporation and the GL Bruno Family Foundation as Outstanding Foundation, alongside a slate of community volunteers and nonprofit organizations. The awards ceremony is intended to acknowledge philanthropic investments that sustain services beyond what public funding can always achieve, from clinical care to prevention and patient navigation.

Local health leaders say philanthropic dollars have tangible public health consequences. Gifts targeted to hospitals and specialty programs can speed the acquisition of medical equipment, fund screening and early detection programs, and support patient financial assistance. In Fresno County, where economic and health disparities persist, such support can mean quicker access to diagnostic services and reduced out of pocket costs for low income patients.

At the same time, reliance on private giving highlights enduring gaps in safety net funding. Community Medical Centers and other providers have increasingly turned to philanthropy to maintain and expand services as state and federal reimbursements fluctuate. Advocates note that while philanthropy plays a vital role in addressing urgent needs, sustainable improvements in health equity will also require policy level investments in public health infrastructure, primary care access and stable funding for cancer care and chronic disease management.

The AFP California Valley Chapter luncheon functions both as recognition and as a public reminder of the role local donors play in health and social services. By elevating examples like the Mitchells, OK Produce and the GL Bruno Family Foundation, the event signals how private resources can bolster community resilience and fill service gaps. For residents who rely on Community Medical Centers and local nonprofits, continued philanthropic support can translate into real improvements in care and more equitable access to health services.

The awards will be presented at the Nov. 13 event in Fresno. The Business Journal reported the slate of honorees on Nov. 6, 2025.