Philanthropic giving is celebrated every year at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon.

The 2023 event, which took place Nov. 2 at the Georgia Aquarium, honored several philanthropic leaders for their contributions to the Atlanta community over the course of their lives.

The Philanthropist of the Year Award was given to Jerry Wilkinson, founder and chairman of the Wilkinson Companies, a privately held real estate investment and management firm.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank nominated Wilkison for his involvement in supporting its recent capital campaign.

Kyle Waide, president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, said Wilkinson had helped build “the biggest food bank in the country.”

Upon receiving the award, Wilkinson said the food bank distributed more than 100 million meals in its last fiscal year.

“Atlanta came together,” Wilkinson said about building the new ACFB facility and about the work of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “We are about building community and tackling the hard problems of our time.”

Wilkinson also has been a major contributor to Duke University and LaGrange College, among other causes.

“I’m in the fourth quarter of my life,” said Wilkinson, who thanked his wife Bev for their 47 years together. “Give while you’re alive so you can see the results of your giving.”

Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, received the Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year Award for his work in mental health and opioid addiction. Emory University School of Medicine, Skyland Trail, the Atlanta Press Club, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston all have benefited from the generosity of Johnson and his wife, Edwina.