Serving Seniors Volunteer Fred Davis Named Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego 2026 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

The San Diego chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has announced that its 2026 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award recipient is Fred Davis, a three-decade long volunteer with Serving Seniors.

Davis and all 11 award winners are being recognized at the 54^th annual National Philanthropy Day San Diego award winners on Friday, November 13 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in Downtown San Diego.

Fred Davis has dedicated three decades to serving low-income and homeless older adults in San Diego. A longtime resident of California, he grew up in San Diego, then moved to Santa Clara County in 1979. He returned to San Diego when his mother needed caregiving in her older years. Davis noticed the homeless encampments on San Diego’s streets.

Davis says it troubled him so much, he decided to volunteer to help and found his match with the mission of Serving Seniors. He believes acts of service should take place daily, saying the gratitude for his small gestures of kindness mean everything.

Thirty years later, Davis puts his beliefs into action daily, arriving at Serving Seniors' Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center each day to help clients access resources, and overseeing meal service while engaging with clients.

During the pandemic when Serving Seniors shut down its centers, Fred conducted daily wellness checks at shelters and homeless encampments to connect people in need with help.

Davis is also an active political advocate for senior issues. As the founder and leader of the Serving Seniors Civic Engagement Group, Davis empowers participants to address challenges impacting their community.

Davis says his efforts mean everything to him. “I was charged to be a servant; I dedicate my life to servitude and to help the needy.

“To have a calling is to be charged with duty,” explains Davis. “I am working harder now than when I was trying to profit, and that’s okay! I feel comfortable, it feels meaningful, and it feels rewarding.

Davis said it all comes down to helping someone in need. “I’ve seen so many people. I once gave a man a pair of socks, to which he began crying. He peeled his dirty socks, began to sob, and saw my small gesture as a large act of service. Just helping somebody and seeing the gratitude they give back is worthwhile. Just seeing their expression means everything.”

Fred Davis so perfectly embodies the spirit of volunteer service that Serving Seniors named its annual Volunteer of the Year award in Fred’s honor.

But Davis won’t be easing back anytime soon. In addition to his work with Serving Seniors, Davis is currently pursuing both his masters’ degree and doctorate. “I am now running after my bucket list as I find time between my volunteering. Next year, I’ll have my masters!” said Davis.

Serving Seniors President and CEO Melinda Forstey said the contributions of Fred Davis to the organization cannot be overstated. “From his cheerful greetings to our lunch patrons, to his impactful advocacy on behalf of older adults in need, Fred is nothing short of a force. We often joke that he's the 'Mayor' of Serving Seniors because he knows everyone and everyone knows him. Serving Seniors is so fortunate Fred found his way to us.”

Also being honored as the Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year are longtime Serving Seniors donors Mel and Linda Katz. served on our board of directors from 1991-1997, serving as board chair from 1994-1996.

"Philanthropy is one of San Diego's great strengths—not just because of this community's generosity, but because of what happens when people unite around the belief that our region can be better," said Mark Stuart, President & CEO of the San Diego Foundation and Honorary Committee Chair for National Philanthropy Day.

"National Philanthropy Day lets us recognize the donors, volunteers, fundraisers, and organizations who turn that belief into action, strengthening lives throughout our community. Celebrating them reminds us all of the extraordinary power we have when we work together."

Every year, AFP chapters across the country host National Philanthropy events to spotlight the individuals and organizations improving their communities through philanthropic initiatives. AFP San Diego’s National Philanthropy Day not only honors local philanthropists, volunteers, and development professionals, but also raises money for the Empower Fund by US Bank, which provides scholarships, education opportunities, and seminars to support the next generation of nonprofit leaders. US Bank is among Serving Seniors’ most valued corporate partners.

In its inaugural year, AFP San Diego raised $28,000 for the Empower Fund thanks to National Philanthropy Day. In 2026, the chapter hopes to raise $35,000. The funds will go directly to educational initiatives, ensuring each dollar stays in the community and supports nonprofit professionals at all levels.