giving
On the eve of my 40th birthday I realized that I had led a self-centered life.
I decided that it was time for me to give back. I had no clear idea of how or what that would look like. With no real game plan, I decided to kick off a year of giving with Habitat for Humanity at one of their build sites in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. What happened after that was simply amazing.
I was suddenly presented with a seemingly endless stream of opportunities to share my gifts with the world. Within a year, I was on numerous boards of several charitable organizations. From commerce, to education, to the arts; I found myself at the core of my local community and have since donated over 1,000 hours to the benefit of others.
These experiences have only deepened my passion for giving. I now direct my energy towards helping not-for-profit organizations raise funds. It doesn’t matter if it is a local school wanting to buy more supplies or a national charity that is fighting cancer, every organization needs revenue so they can complete their mission.
Volunteer & NFP Experience
OpenWall – Committee Member
Curated rotating art exhibit featuring local artists for the 47th Ward Office of Alderman Ameya Pawar. Personal duties include developing branding and a brand standards guide, writing press releases and editing artist\’s statements. I also streamlined the artist application process and managed all installation and deinstallation of exhibitions.
Chicago Artists Month – Department of Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee
Identified title and theme for each year. Provided feedback for web design, printed materials, events and featured artists. In 2011, I was selected as Opening Reception Committee Chair and coordinated all aspects of the city-wide event which attracted over 750 people in the Chicago art community.
Ravenswood ArtWalk – Past President, Executive Board of Directors
Served as President, Vice President, President Emeritus, Event Committee Chair, Marketing Committee and Volunteer Coordinator. During my years of service at RAW, a 501(c)3 arts organization, the neighborhood arts tour event grew from a small collection of artists to over 300 artists in 50 plus venues in the Ravenswood Corridor attracting over 3,000 plus visitors. We developed the current logo, brand standards guide, annual posters, maps, websites and monthly networking events for artists. My personal responsibilities included hiring and managing staff, review of all budgetary items, writing all grant applications and securing city permits.
International Housewares Association Advisory Committee
Made recommendations for membership benefits, provided feedback for website, forged new ideas for attracting and maintaining exhibitors, suggested improvements for surveys and direction for printed marketing campaign to attendees and exhibitors.
Northcenter Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Served as Philanthropy Co-Chair, Marketing Co-Chair, Events Committee Chair, Ribfest Committee, Kids Square Team Leader, Beverage Team Leader and Volunteer Coordinator. Involved in all contract negotiations for private event coordinator, Executive Director, staff salaries and wages. Reviewed grant applications, participated in execution of new bylaws and final approval of all monthly event budgets. Wrote and implemented best practices for volunteers regarding liquor sales, money handling, gate security and children\’s program events. Created new logo, brand standards guide and corporate sponsorship levels. Developed a volunteer program which allowed not-for-profit organizations to get paid for shifts worked at festivals. During my tenure at NCC our budget, including city funding, grew from $165,000 to $1.2 million dollars annually and we gave back over $200,000 in donations to schools and not-for-profit organizations within the chamber\’s boundaries. All meetings at NCC were conducted under Robert\’s Rules of Order.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago Troop Leader
Facilitated regular scout meetings. Managed cookie sales campaign. Chaperoned overnight camping trips. Certified in CPR and proficient in mandatory safety guidelines of Girl Scouts of America Chicago Chapter.
St. Benedict\’s High School Board of Specified Jurisdiction
Budgetary review and approval of all capital improvements to the school. Interviewed all final candidates for principal. Reviewed all marketing material for new students. Set student enrollment goals. Created and executed fundraisers that generated over $150,000 annually. Participated in the graduation ceremonies.
Audubon Elementary School Spring Gala Committee
Secured location and layout of event. Obtained donations for silent and live auctions. Created logos and themes. Designed invitations and all marketing materials. Hired caterers, musicians and live entertainment for the gala. Worked on installation and clean up crew on day of event.
St. Benedict\’s Parish Council
Served as Family Life Committee Chair, Monks & Wrenches Committee Chair, and Volunteer Team Leader. Parish Council provided budgetary review of all salaries and wages in addition to buildings and grounds capital improvements to parish. Committee Chairs reported to council for funding and approval of all parish events.
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
On site home building with volunteers from across Cook County, IL.
Walking the Talk
I am working with a unique digital platform that allows charities to raise money and also provide every donor a financial reward when they support their favorite cause. This powerful system rewards the donor, provides an annuity for the organization and builds long term donor engagement. The not-for-profit organization earns money and the donor will earn more than just a warm fuzzy feeling from purchasing a tin of popcorn from their neighbor.
The revenue generated for both the charity and the donor is positive. There is no other give-get program like it in the marketplace today.
Please contact me if you are interested in learning how this interactive, easy and compelling platform could work for your charity.