A staff member and volunteer at the Japanese American National Museum will be recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Greater Los Angeles Chapter (AFP-GLAC) at its National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Autry Museum of the American West, Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles.
Each November, nonprofit leaders, fundraising professionals, and the broader philanthropic community gather to celebrate excellence, share inspiring stories, build meaningful relationships, and honor the generosity that helps Greater Los Angeles thrive.
Kelli-Ann Nakayama, chief development officer at JANM, will receive the National Philanthropy Day 2026 Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award and Harold “Hal” Keimi, JANM volunteer, donor, and supporter will receive the Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Nakayama is being recognized for her extraordinary work on JANM’s Our Promise Campaign, the comprehensive campaign to revitalize, amplify, deliver, and sustain JANM’s future, which raised more than $135 million, more than double its original $65 million goal. The campaign included funds for JANM’s transformational renovation and new core exhibition that will open Jan. 23, 2027.
Keimi has volunteered at JANM since 1990. For the past 35+ years, Hal served as a docent, trainer for new volunteers, origami instructor, and the museum’s taiko drumming instructor. He uses taiko drumming to teach respect and appreciation of diverse cultures. He has become an icon among staff, volunteers, educators, and students who visit JANM’s galleries or to learn about taiko.
As a 10-year-old, Keimi and his family were forcibly removed from their home in Hollywood, and sent to the World War II concentration camp at Heart Mountain in Wyoming. They lost their dry-cleaning business and many personal belongings. At JANM, Keimi draws upon this experience to educate visiting students. Until COVID, he volunteered two or more days each week to lead tours and teach taiko.
Today, at age 95, Keimi remains active in the JANM volunteer community as an emeritus volunteer, gifting his knowledge and experiences to the next generation of staff and volunteers. Shortly before the passing of his wife Barbara, also a JANM volunteer, the couple made a $500,000 donation to JANM as part of its Our Promise Campaign.
To register for the event, go to: https://community.afpglobal.org/afpcagreaterlosangeleschapter/events/recentcommunityeventsdashboard