IN
August 2019, we began working with our board members and the fundraising and events team to develop a more robust fundraising and major gifts program for Evergreen Health. To assist in our efforts, we hired a consultant who
worked with our board and leadership to review our current fundraising efforts and provide recommendations. Based on the consultant’s report, we made the decision to enhance and reorganize Evergreen’s fundraising, events and volunteer programming in the following ways: •
Establish the Evergreen Health Foundation as the fundraising affiliate of Evergreen Health.
•
Create a new position – executive director of Evergreen Health Foundation. You’ll meet him on the next page!
•
Transition Rob Baird, director of fundraising and events, and Rachel Voelkle-Kuhlmann, volunteer and events coordinator, to the Evergreen Health Foundation team. You’ll learn about their new titles and roles later in this issue!"
The Evergreen Health Foundation is the fundraising arm of the organization and works to
support the mission and patients of Evergreen Health, Pride Center of WNY and Community Access Services through private and corporate philanthropy. As a department, we enhance what Evergreen and its affiliates offer to our patients and community, secure the resources that make all the difference and take on initiatives to financially support the lifesaving work of Evergreen. Through generous community support and building connections throughout our region, the Evergreen Health Foundation strives to make more possible for our patients, their families and our community.
Gifts to the Evergreen Health Foundation can be given as cash donations, corporate
contributions and matching gifts, United Way donor choice designations, planned gifts, grants and more. Donors can designate their contributions to a specific service or to wherever the need is greatest. Advocates can also support us through Amazon Smile – just search for Evergreen Health Foundation!
EG
When did you first join Evergreen and what are your duties as executive director? I joined Evergreen Health as the executive director of the Evergreen Health Foundation in June 2020. Primarily, I am responsible for the planning; oversight; implementation of strategies and supervision of fundraising programs; and donor relations for Evergreen Health and its affiliates. I work to engage individuals, corporations and foundations to secure financial support to meet the goals set forth by Evergreen Health’s Executive Team and the Evergreen Health Foundation Board. I also consult with both current and prospective donors regarding gift planning to the organization; direct campaign activities for Evergreen Health and its affiliates; and supervise staff in fundraising positions. What do you like most about your role so far? I have had the unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team of committed fundraising professionals in rebuilding our fundraising program from the ground up. I couldn’t be happier to be part of Team Evergreen and to be in a position to raise money for all of our very important programming.
>>
I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER TO BE PART OF TEAM EVERGREEN! What drew you to Evergreen? Evergreen makes a tremendous impact in the community and I feel that it is such an honor to do my part to advance our mission. Together, we will engage with our donors in exciting new ways, transitioning from an events-based model to a holistic fundraising program that includes annual, major and planned giving. What did you do prior to your work at Evergreen? Before coming to Evergreen, I previously worked in major gifts fundraising for the University at Buffalo. What is your life like at home? I live in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village neighborhood with my husband and three cats: Avi, Simcha and Max. What is a movie you could watch again and again? “Halloween” (1978). First concert you ever went to? Madonna’s Blond Ambition Tour – 1990 in Chicago. Coffee or tea? Black coffee!
- 2020 REFLECTIONS -
How has your role changed at Evergreen? I have worn a number of hats since beginning work at Evergreen five and a half years ago, from helping to plan large scale events like Dining Out For Life and Pride Week to sitting on the Diversity and Inclusion committee at Evergreen. In my most current role as director of advancement, I am responsible for building and developing ongoing relationships with donors that result in financial gifts to Evergreen Health and its affiliates. This takes place by meeting with donors face-to-face on a regular basis. What do you love most about your job? I love meeting with our donors and hearing what is important to them — what they care about. I then get to connect them to the work we do here at Evergreen and invite them to support that work. What are some other projects you've been involved in? I help plan the annual appeal, our end of year fundraising event, as well as assist in the coordination of some donor events planned for once COVID-19 restrictions have lifted. How do you feel about the direction of the foundation? Now that we’ve restructured the Evergreen Health Foundation, our team it is thrilled to see where we are headed.
>>
- 2020 REFLECTIONS -
I’m excited to be a part of it. When I’m not at work, I’m… in the kitchen cooking or baking, in the wood shop or out snowboarding or cross-country skiing. What’s your dream vacation? Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Or sea kayaking in Antarctica. Do you have a favorite quote or motto? What is it? My brother once said, “It’s only an adventure if you wish you were home in bed at least part of the time.” That’s become our motto and has definitely been true on plenty of adventures.
OUR TEAM IS THRILLED TO SEE WHERE WE ARE HEADED!
IF
you’ve been supporting Evergreen Health for a while, you have probably noticed that our donor newsletter has a new title! Pathways, our mailer donor newsletter, was and
will forever be dear to our hearts. It allowed us to share stories about what the organization was doing with your generous donations, as well as give you information about upcoming events.
When we sought to establish the Evergreen Health Foundation, we knew we wanted our
donor publication to grow and expand so that it reflected the dynamic way our new foundation has adapted to current times. We want to be conscious of balancing accessibility with our environmental footprint. For most of our donors, an e-newsletter seemed to be the preferred option. With an updated format, we are able to provide dynamic visuals to show our donors how we are putting their contributions to work.
Evergrowing, as a title and a mantra, seemed to fit exactly what we are doing at the
foundation. We are growing all the time, in the ways we approach questions and how we find solutions. We re-examine the ways we have done things in the past so that we can optimize our performance for the future. Instead of being fixed in doing things the way they have always been done, we are growing and learning from our experiences to positively impact the lives of more people in our community. We welcome you to join us with
.
>>
Where did your career start? My career began with working in the food program at Lifelong, formerly Lifelong AIDS Alliance, an AIDS Service Organization non-profit in Seattle, Washington. When did you start working at Evergreen? When I moved back to Buffalo in 2015, I immediately got involved with Evergreen Health as a volunteer with AIDS Walk and Dining Out For Life. I began working at Evergreen Health in early 2017 as the volunteer and events coordinator. What do you love most about your job? I have loved working with hundreds of amazing volunteers to put on events and fundraise for Evergreen over the years. What work do you do now with Evergreen Health Foundation? I transitioned into my new role as donor relations manager in late 2020 and am excited to continue working with our amazing community of supporters in new ways. I will be specifically developing our monthly giving program, the Evergreen GEM Society, and keeping donors informed on the developments of Evergreen Health and its affiliates.
I AM EXCITED TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTERS! One thing you're looking forward to this year? I will be graduating with my M.S. In Creativity and Change Leadership from SUNY Buffalo State College in May! What's your ideal way to spend your weekends? Spending time with my hubby, our 9-month old daughter, Leia, and our beefcake of a Boston Terrier, Dexter. I also love trying out new recipes and baking for our friends and family. Do you have a favorite quote or motto? What is it? “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die…Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch, which I've got held up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations,” - George Bernard Shaw.
- 2020 REFLECTIONS -
>>
What do you do at the Evergreen Health Foundation and what duties does your role include? I am the data specialist for the Foundation's team at Evergreen Health. My responsibilities include managing donor data entry and acknowledgement, as well as providing support for philanthropic giving campaigns and events. I am new to the team and eager to make a difference at Evergreen. What did you do before coming to the Evergreen Health Foundation? I studied Public Communication at Buffalo State College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. During my time in college, I gained experience with the Stewardship and Special Projects office by working closely with alumni and found my interest in fundraising, events and building relationships with donors. I was also a member of the Student Philanthropy Council and had the opportunity to promote student giving on campus. What are some of your interests outside of work? Aside from my interests in fundraising, I also have a passion for animals, especially dogs!
What’s your favorite season? I love everything about fall – the weather, activities and food! What is a movie you could watch again and again? “13 Going on 30.” Do you have a favorite quote or motto? Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.
I AM NEW TO THE TEAM AND EAGER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT EVERGREEN!
- 2020 REFLECTIONS -
Evergreen Health has been providing respectful, non-judgmental care to vulnerable communities in Western New York for nearly four decades. The challenges have changed over the years but our mission and values have remained constant. Your support has been essential in making this work possible. As the world adjusts to life with COVID-19, the need for our programs and services is greater than ever. To help us continue our vital work, click the link below to visit our donation page. Thank you!
We hope you've enjoyed the first issue of Evergrowing. This is only the first chapter of our new story. Please stay tuned for more Evergrowing!