Gimbap sales were my childhood equivalent of a bake sale. Many rolls of gimbap (Korean rolls with dried seaweed, rice, and an array of mouth-watering options) were made and sold by teams of volunteers, all to raise funds and support various missions.
As a child, I watched this process unfold, wondering at the many hands involved and the flurry of activity. Looking back, I can see how it was a labour of love from a community determined to do something to help someone.
More than twenty years later, in a career that has spanned annual and capital campaigns, single- and multi-channel approaches, major and planned gift programs, and even events and grant-writing, I have seen this spirit of determination and good will in donors, charities, community causes, and fundraisers alike. When you bring together passionate people around a shared cause, you can build affordable housing, deliver new healthcare solutions, and tackle poverty, inequity, and racism.
And, what else is really exciting? Knowing there is a way for any person who cares to make a difference. You can roll gimbaps or bake cupcakes. You can say yes to becoming a monthly donor, donate securities, or make a gift in your will. You can teach your kids about community-centric values, volunteerism, and how each of us can make our difference. Have a cause you love? There’s a way to help!
As a fundraiser, I live at and create intersections of causes and donors. I help clients doing vital community work connect more deeply with their communities of support. How? Through authentic, ethical, meaningful storytelling and the application of philanthropic psychology that reminds us to see beyond the gift transaction into the deep humanity of each donor. As an Account Manager and Team Lead, I carry strategy forward and drill down into the day-to-day nitty-gritty details to deliver your campaigns into market on time and on budget. (As someone who’s been in charge of budgets and hard-won donor dollars, I am determined that each client gets the best value for their time with us.) This all fosters sustainable fundraising and resource development to fuel charitable works. This is how I get to make my difference and I’m beyond grateful to do this work.
When I’m not fundraising, you’ll find me with my hubby trying to keep up with the kiddos, running around the west end of Toronto.