National Philanthropy Day: Make Dreams of Donors, Volunteers Come True 2

By Joe Boland

[Editor's Note: This is part 2 of a two-part post from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Philadelphia Chapter's 28th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon educational session held last Wednesday. View part 1 here.]

Here are some more words of wisdom shared by David Auten, former president of the Union League of Philadelphia and the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award winner; Liz Rizor, president of the Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center and a winner of the 2012 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group award; and ACFRE Robbe Healey, a member of the International Board of Directors of the AFP and past chair, as well as the 2013 Barbara Marion Award for Outstanding Leadership to AFP winner, in the educational session moderated by AFP-GPC Board Chair Jaime L. Howard, president of Jaime L. Howard LLC.

David Auten
"I've had at least one mentor in everything I've been involved in. The best mentors combine the best of the old and the best of the new."

"I often think of my father-in-law, who used to say, 'To whom much is given, much is asked.' I've been very fortunate and wanted to show that — but I just don't' want to leave money in a bequest. I want to contribute not just with money, but through work. It lets you see the results your effort helps accomplish, and you get to see all the great work other people accomplish."

"I've seen [social media] used in all sorts of ways, especially registering and registries. Almost everyone does fundraising online, and social media can drive people to a cause."

"Ask for more than you think a donor will give. In my experience, people get flattered when they're asked for more."

Liz Rizor
"As a volunteers, I constantly engage with veterans whenever I come to a project. I sit down with someone who's been there and experienced the organization and talk with them. It's important to stop and listen and hear everyone's thoughts on big ideas. I reach out to those who were there before me, which keeps people caring."