Award Spotlights Philly Couple’s $30-Million Gift to Fight Homelessness

Emerging philanthropists John S. and Leigh Middleton were presented Wednesday with the Philadelphia Award, a venerable civic honor that shines a light on their previously quiet work with an acclaimed homelessness nonprofit, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times write.

The Middletons have given $30-million to Project HOME, the city’s largest advocate and service provider for the homeless, which has been credited with playing a key role in Philadelphia’s success in reducing homelessness in recent years as it has spiked in other major cities. The couple has worked closely with the charity for eight years, focusing on an issue that is often off the radar for big-money donors.

The award significantly raises the philanthropic profile of the couple, who sold a family cigar business for $2.9-billion in 2007 and have also contributed millions to city schools. Mr. Middleton, a co-owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, said he and his wife are “spotlight avoiders” but added, “Several people have said to us over the years that you can’t maximize the good you do if you stay in the shadows the whole time and remain anonymous.”