Fundraising progress, new board members and upcoming opportunities are helping strengthen community support for BBG’s mission.
Momentum was the theme of the latest BBG Foundation Board meeting, with updates on fundraising, new board members, upcoming events and ways board members can help expand the Foundation’s reach.
CEO Martin Landon shared details about the rebranding of BioBridge Global under the BBG name, creating a common message and visual identity across the organization. As part of the transition, the organization’s divisions will be known as:
- BBG Blood & Tissue (formerly South Texas Blood & Tissue)
- BBG Testing Solutions (formerly QualTex Laboratories)
- BBG Foundation (formerly The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation)
- BBG Advanced Therapies
The Foundation Board unanimously agreed to change the organization’s name from The Blood & Tissue Center Foundation to BBG Foundation.
“The mission remains the same,” Landon said. “Saving and enhancing lives through the healing power of human cells and tissue.”
Patrick Isenberg, Director of Development, who recently joined the Foundation, thanked board members for their support and shared some of his early impressions of BioBridge Global.
“This organization and this foundation is saving lives every single day,” Isenberg said.
His focus is on building the fundraising strategy and bringing more community support to the work already happening across BBG. Early progress includes renewed relationships with previous supporters, several promising meetings and a new donor commitment of more than $132,000.
Turning Board Connections Into Action
Guest speaker Christie Rodriguez, vice president with CCS Fundraising, provided an overview of today’s philanthropic landscape and emphasized one simple idea: relationships drive giving.
“People give to people. Relationships drive philanthropy,” Rodriguez said.
Board members do not necessarily have to be fundraisers, she explained. They can make an equally important impact as advocates, ambassadors, advisors and connectors by sharing why they support the Foundation and opening doors within their own networks.
Board members were challenged to identify three to five people by Sept. 30 who may have both an affinity for the mission and the ability to support it. Rather than simply turning over contact information, members were encouraged to have an initial conversation and ask permission to make an introduction.
Upcoming opportunities to introduce others to the mission include the Care for Cures event on Sept. 18, followed by a tour, and a virtual board responsibilities training by Bank of America on Sept. 22.
New Members and Red & White Ball Progress
The board also approved four new members: Amanda Alcorn Hunter, Lisa Grove, Nell Smith and Rachel Weisensee. Each has already demonstrated interest in the mission through tours, Foundation events, fundraising experience or community involvement.
Planning for the Red & White Ball also continues to move forward. Sponsorships have reached approximately 50% of goal, with additional outreach and underwriting opportunities still available.
Board members were encouraged to consider potential sponsors, share connections and finalize their own support by Oct. 1 if they would like to be included in the printed program.
The meeting closed with another fundraising milestone: the Foundation’s golf tournament exceeded its $70,000 goal, raising $75,000. A golf committee chair is now being sought for the next event.