Honoring the Soul of Philanthropy in Fairfield County

Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month with a New Annual Award

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Soul of Philanthropy Award—an annual honor recognizing a Black philanthropist who exemplifies the true spirit of giving in Fairfield County.

As part of our celebration of Black Philanthropy Month each August, the Soul of Philanthropy Award uplifts individuals who give generously and selflessly through their Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and Ties.

This year marks the inaugural presentation of the Soul of Philanthropy Award, and we are honored to shine a light on two remarkable leaders whose lives embody the award’s mission.

Join Us to Celebrate

We invite you to celebrate with us at our
🗓 Celebration of Black Philanthropy
📍 Cocreate Stamford
🕕 August 19, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 PM
➡ Learn more and get your tickets here!

Meet the 2025 Soul of Philanthropy Award Recipients

Samaris Rose, known to many as Sammy, is a fierce and compassionate community advocate with a heart rooted in service and justice. Youth are at the center of her heart, inspiring her tireless efforts to build spaces of belonging, healing, and hope. From addiction, homelessness, and justice involvement to depression and instability, Sammy has a unique gift for meeting people where they are and guiding them from hopelessness toward light—without ever stripping away their dignity or respect. She walks alongside individuals and families facing systemic barriers, ensuring they know they are not alone.

Sammy stands boldly for what is right, no matter the room or the audience, and continues to be a powerful force in her community. She has a deep love for the people she serves and a belief in their power to rise.

Dr. Jackqueline Mclean-Markes is the CEO of Mcleansmiles and Associates, a private practice providing cosmetic and dental health services in Stamford and Bridgeport Connecticut.

Despite her demanding professional life, she is committed to giving back to the community. She has volunteered with Person to Person, The National Black MBA Association, and The City of Stamford Mayor’s Youth program, mentoring high school and college students. Dr Mclean-Markes has also been committed to serving her community by providing oral health care in the City of Stamford school system since 2003.

Dr. Mclean-Markes has also served on the board for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and currently serves on the board for Horizons New Canaan and The JAHJAH  (Jamaicans Abroad Helping Jamaicans at Home) Foundation. She is an associate member of Jack and Jill Stamford /Norwalk and an active member of the Fairfield County Links.

How the Soul of Philanthropy Award Recipient is Chosen

Award recipients are selected through a community nomination process and a volunteer review committee. Nominees must identify as Black or of African descent, live in Fairfield County, and demonstrate a sustained commitment of giving through one or more of the following:

• Time – Volunteering to uplift individuals or causes
• Talent – Contributing professional or creative expertise for community benefit
• Treasure – Donating financial or material resources to support equity, opportunity, and justice
• Testimony – Using lived experience to inspire, advocate, and mobilize
• Ties – Strengthening relationships across generations, cultures, and organizations

Philanthropy takes many forms, and recipients don’t need to be affiliated with a formal organization. What matters is visible or measurable impact—and the ability to inspire others through generosity, service, and leadership.

Keep the Momentum Going: Join The SOUL Fund

Inspired by the stories of Sammy and Dr. Mclean-Markes? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to act alone, either.

The SOUL Fund—short for Supporting Opportunity & Uplifting Leadership—is a giving circle held at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation that invites people like you to link arms and make a meaningful difference together. Fueled by the power of collective giving, The SOUL Fund supports Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Fairfield County working to create meaningful change with and for the community.

When you join, you’ll:

• Learn alongside fellow changemakers
• Pool your resources to support local nonprofits doing powerful work in and for the Black community
• Vote on where the funds go
• And celebrate the impact you helped create

✨ Membership starts at just $365/year—one dollar a day for real change.

Whether you’re inspired by the Soul of Philanthropy Awardees or looking for a deeper connection to your giving, the SOUL Fund offers a hands-on, high-impact way to give, learn, and lead in community.

👉 Learn more and join the SOUL Fund Giving Circle today

At Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, we believe that philanthropy lives in all of us. Through the Soul of Philanthropy Award and the SOUL Fund, we are proud to lift up the stories and actions of those who are shaping a more connected, equitable, and generous Fairfield County.

Let’s honor the soul of philanthropy—and build its future together.