Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives

Kate Bullard, Richmond Strikers

Jonathan Chan, Church Hill Activities & Tutoring

Nicole Duciaume, ChildFund International

Jessie Pavlidis, Virginia Commonwealth University

James Romanik, Grace Church

Linda Turner, University of Richmond/SPCS

Stephen Wilson, Virginia State University

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VAFRE has a new Company page on LinkedIn. Be sure to "follow" the company and share news and items or interest to other members.

Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendar

• July 10 Brown Bag Luncheon at Roslyn
  
• August 7 Brown Bag Luncheon at Studio Two Three 
  

Are You Coming to VFRI?

My husband Peter and I both work at schools and shared the same spring break this year. We spent it in Macon, GA visiting our son Russell who is a navigator in the Air Force, stationed at Warner Robins AFB. Russell is due to be deployed next month. It was a blessing to spend some time with him before he goes to a place I don't want to think about.  While we were visiting Russell, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet some of his buddies. There was such an incredible camaraderie among the group - they shared hilarious stories, "at-a-boys" for jobs well done and lots of AF jargon and acronyms (most of which I do not understand). But what is most evident is that they also have each other's backs (literally as Russell is seated behind the pilot) They are unified in their passion for their shared profession and they stick together. steadfast. lockstep. That is a most treasured thing; I am tenderly proud of all that they do each and every day..

I am writing this after attending our Annual Awards Luncheon. I believe this annual luncheon is the highlight of our VAFRE year. What a treat to gather together to honor and celebrate this year's recipients, Lisa Tait, Nina Abady Award winner, and Susan Norkus, Rising Star Award winner. We also had the privilege of listening to our keynote speaker, Mark Smith of Midas of Richmond.  I always love to scan the room, packed with our fellow VAFRE members, guests, family members and coworkers of our esteemed recipients. I glance around and see many familiar faces and always marvel at the camaraderie among us. There are always hilarious stories, "at-a-boys" and "at-a-girls" for our colleagues, fundraising jargon and acronyms (Lybunt?) that no else would ever understand (or probably care to understand). The winners, their stories and the keynote change each year but what stays true is that we share a passion for what we do and for our shared profession. We have each other's backs and I always have the keen sense of our common unity, perhaps not quite in lockstep, but in a balanced, harmonious rhythm. That is a most treasured thing and I am tenderly proud of all that we do each and every day.

See you on May 1st!

Lynne

Lynne Berkness,
2017-2018 VAFRE President

Women in Philanthropy Panel Presentation

Join VAFRE on May 1st for a lively discussion with three women who are active in local philanthropy. Nancy Belleman,   Marilyn West, and Elizabeth Krusen have served as volunteers, donors, board members and advocates for a wide range of non-profits.  They bring their experience to VAFRE to respond to the national statistics regarding women in philanthropy through the lens of their own experiences - both good and bad.

Registrations should be made prior to 5 pm on Wednesday, April 25th.

VAFRE Ambassadors Needed

Do you remember the first person you met when you came to a VAFRE meeting? I bet you do, and our new members will remember you if you volunteer to serve as an Ambassador. 

The Ambassador program is an effort to engage new members in VAFRE by pairing them with a current member for the first three months of their membership to help them get acquainted with other members and become involved in the life of VAFRE.

Both the new members and the Ambassadors have been singing the praises of the program. If you are a VAFRE veteran who would like to help new members make the most of their VAFRE experience, contact Will Glasco at 804-648-1889 ext. 303.

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