Monday, April 20, 2009

National Volunteer Week: Fundraising


“The theme for National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 19-25, is "Celebrating People in Action." The theme captures the meaning behind this signature week – honoring the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.”

I would like to take the time out now to recognize several of the Cabrini Connections' volunteers who have been actively assisting the program in with their fundraising efforts. At the start of the 2008-2009 tutoring/mentoring year we launched the FUNdraising for Quarters Competition where volunteers in the program began working towards obtaining financial contributions by spreading the word of Cabrini Connections and all that we try to do within the program. And as a result of the volunteers' effort they are recognized in the newsletters, in our blogs, and at the end of each quarter the volunteer who brought in the most in donations receives a prize. And the GRAND prize for the volunteer who brings in the most in donations for the entire academic year will receive 2 round-trip airline tickets to any where in the U.S.
We are proud to say that many of our volunteers have stepped up throughout the year with their fundraising efforts, but there are 3 volunteers that I would like to recognize now. First year tutor/mentor John Knight has thought outside the box with his fundraising by putting together a fundraising event of his own, where all of the proceeds went to the Cabrini Connections' program. John hosted an event at Krem nightclub in December, and as a result of Mr. Knight's efforts the Cabrini Connections' program received a little over $1200. and Mr. Knight is currently in 3rd place in the FUNdraising for Quarter's competition in relations to the GRAND prize.

Another volunteer that I would like to recognize, and who is currently in 2nd place, is Mary Catherine Nelson. M.C. was able to solidify the Cabrini Connections' organization as the beneficiary of her company's holiday giving during the month of December. Several students accompanied a staff to M.C.'s place of business to promote the program and to tell the employees why their funds are needed for programs such as Cabrini Connections. As a result of M.C. Nelson and this opportunity during the holiday season, Cabrini Connections' received $1,630.

Lastly, I would like to recognize the current leader in the FUNdraising for Quarters competition and that is non other than veteran volunteer, Allen "AJ" Tyson. Mr. Tyson has been using his extensive knowledge of the Cabrini Connections program and his overall understanding of the importance of program such as our to get people in his network to support the program. AJ has been working with his student in our program for a couple years and they continue to build a strong, lifelong relationship. As mentioned, AJ is in first place in the FUNdraising for Quarters competition and has brought in a total of $1825!!!

Thanks so much John, M.C., AJ, and all of the other volunteers who have contributed to our fundraising efforts. Without you, there is not us! Keep up the great work of spreading the word and bringing in those needed dollars!

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