Editor's Note: (Almost) Speechless
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." ~ Buddha
To all of you in the fundraising sector who responded so graciously and so generously to my recent, personal appeal to help me help a friend who is struggling financially due to medical issues … thank you. Your kindness made a huge difference — not only in the life of my friend, but also in the lives of those closest to him. Your notes of support and the fact that you thanked us for giving you an opportunity to help a fellow human being, one on one, touched our hearts and reminded us that the human spirit is boundless and wonderful and so, so precious.
It also reminded me that fundraisers, as a whole, are a pretty special breed — not that I could forget, seeing as how I interact with and learn from you all on a daily basis.
And it underscored a point I hear made over and over in the fundraising sector: People want to give, to causes big and small, and they relish the chance to do so. To make a difference. To change a life, or a thousand lives. But you have to ask. When you do, everyone is blessed: giver … recipient … facilitator.
Thank you for your blessings — both to those of you who responded to my personal appeal and to all of you in the sector for your part in this marvelous, miraculous cycle of giving and receiving, engaging, and connecting on a human level. I am humbled, once again, by your spirit. And proud, as always, to be a part (if even just peripherally) of you merry band of hope mongers.
Call for nominations
That all seems like a perfect segue into part two of this month's ?column, where I remind you that the deadline for our fifth annual Fundraising Professionals of the Year Awards is fast approaching.
To submit a nomination, send an e-mail telling me who you're nominating, in which category and why. This year's categories are Lifetime Achievement (based on a body of work over the course of 30+ years); Fundraising Professional of the Year (based on a specific fundraising achievement in 2009); Fundraising Stars (based on a body of work, a compelling project or special circumstance, an overall attitude or approach, etc.); and Rising Stars (up-and-comers with fewer than five years in the sector).
Send nominations to mbattistelli@napco.com before Dec. 14. Please include your name, as well as the nominee's name, title, agency or organization, phone number, and e-mail; reason for the nomination; and, if possible, a digital head shot of the nominee.
Margaret Battistelli
Editor-in-Chief
mbattistelli@napco.com
