The Ellis Island Honors Society, renowned for its annual Ellis Island Medals of Honor, created the Beacon Award to highlight rising leaders in the United States. Established in 1984 at the request of President Ronald Reagan, the Society celebrates the contributions of immigrants to the United States as a symbol of American diversity and progress. TPF’s Chairman Emeritus, Haldun Tashman, current Chairman, Mustafa Kemal Abadan, and TPF Board Member, Tamer Seckin are former recipients of the prestigious Ellis Medals of Honor.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Beacon Award and am grateful to the Ellis Island Honors Society for this recognition,” Şenay said. “This recognition reflects the collective work of Turkish Philanthropy Funds and our donors, who are committed to uplifting communities and fostering resilience. I look forward to continuing our mission of making impactful change.”
“On behalf of Turkish Philanthropy Funds, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Şenay Ataselim Yılmaz on this well-deserved recognition as a 2025 Beacon Award recipient,” said Mustafa Kemal Abadan, Chair of TPF. “We are incredibly proud to have such an outstanding leader among us, whose dedication and vision have transformed philanthropy into a powerful force for meaningful change. This honor reflects not only her exceptional leadership but also the collective spirit of TPF’s mission to empower communities and create lasting impact. We are delighted to celebrate this momentous achievement with her.”
The Beacon Award Gala will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at The Wall Street Hotel in New York City.
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds:
For 17 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has been dedicated to changing narratives and creating equitable opportunities in our community. With the generosity of over 100,000 donors, we have disbursed close to $50 million, directly impacting over 3 million lives. As a community foundation, we leverage our intimate knowledge of community needs to fuel innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Our strategic guidance helps donors maximize their philanthropic reach, ensuring that their contributions create sustainable and meaningful change. TPF serves as a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise to foster resilient and inclusive communities. Together, we have built a legacy of positive change that we are all proud of.
For more information about Turkish Philanthropy Funds and its initiatives, please visit www.tpfund.org.
* * *
Turkish Philanthropy Funds Contact:
Amber Deniz Kale
Communications Lead
[email protected]
