The Core Ingredient for Success

Without hesitation, she pulls over, leaps out of her car and runs across four lanes of freeway traffic to save a lost and frightened dog. Why? Because she’s a champion for her cause; she knows nothing else … compassion runs through her Canadian veins and keeps her heart beating.

For Robbin Rae, former director of development at the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, to live any other way would be soul crushing. It doesn’t surprise anyone that she tripled the income of one of the most respected animal causes in North America in her short time there.

Robbin’s passion makes her a tremendous communicator. Raising money is a matter of life or death; it’s her conviction that stirs spirits to the remarkable. This approach to life and cause is the core ingredient that helps her gain instant rapport with people and is a guiding light to the marvelous life that awaits all in this sector.

As fundraisers, we need to keep our fire burning by staying close to the mission, i.e., the people our charities serve. Listen to their incredible stories; let them break your heart and, I promise, success in fundraising will chase you.

Imagine the unimaginable
Philanthropy captured my heart during the Ethiopian famine of 1985, where mothers gave their lives for the mere possibility of food for their little ones. Imagine you haven’t eaten for several days because, sacrificially, you’ve fed your remaining food to your two emaciated little girls. You hear of a man-made oasis of hope that will care for your girls, so you leave the only home you’ve ever known and begin the three-day walk across the desert with your children strapped to your back. Most assuredly, this is your family’s last chance for life. Only love can grant the resilience necessary for such a journey.