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During a time of transition, LifePoint Solutions engaged Smith Beers Yunker & Company to provide interim management of its development office and counseling services over a period of 16 months. Working on site two days a week, Becky Sittason helped the organization manage its annual appeal, build a donor base for the Friends of Children program, and enhance relationships with major donors.
Commenting on the services provided, CEO Arlene Herman gave high marks to Smith Beers Yunker in general and Becky Sittason in particular. “Becky was very professional,” says Ms. Herman. “She worked well with other members of our staff and was quite effective in face-to-face conversations with our major donors. In one case, we received a $10,000 gift just after the donor had lunch with Becky. And I was especially gratified by her ability to relate to some of our elderly donors.”
Ms. Herman is also grateful for the suggestion of a successful direct mail strategy in which solicitation letters were personalized, matching the content of letters to known interests of recipients. “This was a new approach for us and it proved to be worthwhile as we achieved the goal of our annual appeal.”
She continues, “Overall, Becky’s guidance helped us stay on track in setting goals and developing strategies. She was good at keeping my attention focused on development, and clearly raised the overall level of our development program. Our staff is now better positioned to carry this effort forward. I believe it’s valuable to retain the services of fundraising consultants, particularly during times of transition and for special projects, and I would definitely recommend Smith Beers Yunker to other nonprofits.”
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