Vice President, Development
Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health

 

Take a moment and think about what inspires you.  While this may change on any given day, for me, it is nearly always about “who” inspires me rather than “what.”

 

People are my largest source of inspiration. Some days I am inspired by a loved one; other days I am inspired by a donor or a colleague.  I have a bulletin board in my office that includes photos of people from all of these categories who inspire me.

 

I am also inspired by people I don’t know but encounter along the way and get to know. Each one of us has our own unique footprint, wisdom and spark. 

 

These last two years I have spent hours on ZOOM with people I have yet to meet in person. Does that sound familiar?  ZOOM and its cousin TEAMs have their charms, but for me, nothing beats being with people face-to-face whether it is planned, meeting someone for the first time, or that unplanned encounter when you run into someone you did not expect to see, but who suddenly makes your day.  Unplanned encounters are not so easy on ZOOM.

 

So, I am very much looking forward to upcoming in-person events including these three:

 

My organization is hosting our first in-person fundraising event since COVID this Sunday (other than golf).  Hooray!! The donors who steadfastly supported the hospital where I work throughout the pandemic have been one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I am grateful for all of the ways they stood with us as we pivoted to virtual engagement and events.  Some of the attendees on Sunday will be donors I have only met by phone and ZOOM thus far.

 

Next Thursday, April 28^th from 8:30 – 10am, AFP-NYC will host our first in-person professional advancement event in two years: “30 Actionable Ideas to Reinvigorate and Integrate Direct Mail, Online and Social Media Communications.” I’ve been inspired by how our Professional Advancement Committee has delivered exceptional content via ZOOM throughout the pandemic.  We have also heard from a growing number of fundraisers that you are ready for in-person events.  I hope to see you next Thursday morning.  To learn more and register visit: https://nycafp.org/News-Events/Upcoming-Events/30-actionable-ideas-to-reinvigorate-and-integrate-your-direct-mail-online-and-social-media-communications

 

Last but not least, Fundraising Day in New York is now just 8 weeks away. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by 1,000+ other fundraising professionals. There is simply nothing like this event because of the people you plan to meet and those you encounter along the way. I hope to see you on Friday, June 17th for the return of Fundraising Day.  Learn more by visiting: https://web.cvent.com/event/c0a59784-523b-4524-be60-2b5814218a41/summary 

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to professional fundraising. 

With gratitude,

Jill

 

P.S. - AFP-NYC is a volunteer-driven organization.  I’d like to thank all of our volunteers who inspire by planning our events and activities and make all of our programming possible.  If you are interested in learning more about ways you can get involved, visit https://nycafp.org/Get-Involved/Get-Involved.