Philanthropy Knocks Out Human Suffering

According to a Lakeland, FL 7th grader, "Philanthropy Knocks Out Human Suffering."   


The student's art work was on display at this year's International Fundraising Conference held in Baltimore, MD last week.  In so many ways that summed up the conference for me!

We were a gathering of 4,000 fundraisers, sharing camaraderie and best practices; achievements and challenges.  We celebrated and sometimes we commiserated!  But, overall we basked in the sunshine of being fundraisers.  

I've raised funds for great organizations and many deserving human beings by planning and executing a variety of events from galas  to  masquerade balls and golf tournaments to final four watch parties and.... also by simply asking folks to help others.  Being a fundraiser is amazing!  

Two highlights of this year's conference - the keynote speakers: Whoopi Goldberg and Seth Godin.
Whoopi talked about her quiet philanthropy like sending books to prisons and paying commuter tolls for strangers.  Seth wowed us with his high-energy motivational talk that covered topics from his best-selling books like Dip, Tribes and Purple Cow and urged us to personalize the asks we make of donors. 

I had the privilege of serving as a Presenter for the second year in a row.  My session was titled "Stewarding Events Donors from One Transaction to Major Engagement & Major Gifts."  

I am hoping that by sharing the insights I have gained over my  20+ year career, I can help fellow fundraisers knock out human suffering.  It really is why we do what we do.

As a consultant and up and coming adjunct professor, it's a blessing to be able to help more than one organization at a time.  

Can we help your organization steward event donors or execute an event that will raise more money for your mission or provide a coaching workshop for your organization's staff or Board members? 

I hope we can! It would be our privilege to do so!