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The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers is a 56-year-old organization that has traditionally relied upon membership dues to generate operating revenue. Recognizing the need to initiate a fundraising program separate from membership dues, the Executive Director and two Board leaders took advantage of a CoffeeCounsel® session.
Recalling the interaction with Jim Yunker, Executive Director Jennifer Cauhorn says, “We were very impressed with Jim’s knowledge of all aspects of fundraising, but we especially appreciated his willingness to listen to us and help us approach fundraising in a unique way that was tailored specifically to our constituents. In a few quick meetings, Jim helped us structure a fundraising initiative around our annual convention that brought in more than five times the goal we had set!”
"Not only was Jim happy to think outside the box while brainstorming with us," continues Jennifer, "he also was very helpful in guiding us through the implementation of our 'New Initiative' campaign. His advise preceding and following the actual campaign helped us establish a process for engaging our members in a way that will secure our future. The approach was very effective in motivating people to give and the entire process was quite gratifying."
About the services provided by Smith Beers Yunker before, during and following the organization’s annual meeting in Nashville in July 2010, Board President John Pfeiffer says, “Although I had experience fundraising as a non-profit board member, our consultations with Smith Beers Yunker brought what was a loosely formed strategy into actionable clarity. The SBY team gave AGEHR the "finishing touches" we needed to execute a successful program, as well as those "little extras" that we never would have thought of on our own. Our gifts exceeded our top-end estimates by a factor of three!” |