A national holiday will be celebrated for the first time in Ames on Friday.

“Change the World With a Giving Heart” is the theme for this year’s National Philanthropy Day, which was founded in 1986 and is sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, according to an ISU Foundation press release.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco said philanthropy has a large effect on the ISU community.

“The gifts that have been given by alumni and friends to ISU over the years have made a better university,” he said.

“When it becomes a better university, Ames becomes a better community.”

Tedesco said recognizing National Philanthropy Day “shows the responsibility a number of people have assumed in giving back to their university and community in different ways, including through arts, buildings and programs.”

He said he hopes the national holiday will increase the number of volunteers participating in philanthropies during the year.

“[The holiday] helps in recognizing people for their good deeds and sharing with their communities,” Tedesco said.

Jodi Andersen, communications specialist for the ISU Foundation, said the day will set aside time to recognize philanthropists.

“We felt it would be a great way to recognize Story County and the Ames community by bringing this day to the attention of everyone,” she said.

Andersen said National Philanthropy Day allows for the “community to recognize all the great things the people in Ames do, from volunteerism to sharing of resources and time.”

“Our hope is that [recognizing this day] will continue to grow as a community-wide effort, and next year we will see even more involvement from the philanthropic organizations in the community,” she said.

Alisa Frandsen, program coordinator for the Dean of Students office, said students in Iowa State’s greek system on campus practice philanthropy all year.

“My hope is that people find the importance of philanthropy and give back to the community all throughout the year,” she said. “The greek community is very committed to giving back to the community of Ames, the university community and Central Iowa communities.”