Women in Development: Programs & Events - More than Just a Party: Using Events to Expand Your Donor Base

"More than Just a Party: Using Events to Expand Your Donor Base"

Due to an overwhelming response this program is full and we are no longer able to accept registration. We will not be able to accommodate any walk-ins to the program. We hope to offer this program again in the near future. Thank you for your interest.

Speakers: Elizabeth Cartland, Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Officer, Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) Salem, MA; Melanie Damsker, Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts at CJP; Quentin Derryberry III, Director of Alumni Networks, Boston University

From breakfasts to cocktail parties, special events provide nonprofits with valuable opportunities to engage current and potential donors in their mission. In most development shops, events play a huge role in the cultivation process, but can also be a large expense and taxing on staff. How can you be sure that you are producing effective and impactful events? How do you reach specific targeted prospects? What strategies can be used to be sure you are best serving your audience and positively impacting the bottom line? How do you measure success? How do you effectively use and engage volunteers? What is the appropriate post-event follow up? Hear from a panel of seasoned professionals regarding best practices in maximizing your event attendees' experiences.

Elizabeth Cartland, Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropy Officer, Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) Salem, MA
In her position at the Peabody Essex Museum, Liz oversees the $1.32M annual giving program. Since 2008, she has been responsible for the East India Marine Associates, a high-level membership program for annual donors of $1,500 and above as well as the PEM Annual Fund. She also oversees a pool of major gift prospects and the museum's stewardship program. Additionally, Liz manages patron programming, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and potential donors and works closely with PEM's volunteer leadership boards. Prior to joining PEM, Liz was the Senior Development Officer for Major Gifts at Joslin Diabetes Center and the Development Officer for Patron Programs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Melanie Damsker, Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts at CJP
At Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), Melanie Damsker develops and oversees initiatives targeted at high capacity, young leaders and manages a portfolio of major donors and prospects. Prior to joining CJP, Melanie most recently worked as the director of partnerships for the GreenLight Fund, a venture philanthropy organization focused on importing innovative social enterprise models with demonstrated results in the local community. At GreenLight, Melanie was responsible for donor relations with GreenLight's community of more than 200 venture capital, entrepreneur, and private equity supporters. Melanie oversaw GreenLight's major fund-raising events and managed efforts to connect portfolio organizations with a variety of potential supporters. Before joining the GreenLight team, Melanie managed special events and the Young Professionals group at the Boston Public Library Foundation.

Quentin Derryberry III, Director of Alumni Networks, Boston University
Quentin is responsible for the strategic management of Alumni Networks at Boston University and overseas Regional, International and Affinity programming in addition to Alumni Career Services, Young Alumni, and Student programming. Before coming to Boston University Quentin served as the Senior Director of Alumni Programs and Outreach for Florida State University where he was in charge of the strategic outreach of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Prior to his position at Florida State University he served as the Assistant Director Alumni Outreach and Engagement at Ohio University.

Thursday, January 26, 2012
City Year
287 Columbus Avenue, Boston

Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Program: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: January 19, 2012

Bring Your Own Lunch - No Food is Available on Site

Remember, it's a WID networking tradition to swap business cards – bring yours.

Cost: $15 for WID members; $25 for non-members, late registration (after 1/19/12)

Women in Development of Greater Boston

The Program Committee Presents:

"More than Just a Party: Using Events to Expand Your Donor Base"