Thank you. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and in the work we perform here at the Foundation, it is possible that as a board member you do not hear “thank you” enough. So, we offer our sincere appreciation for the countless hours volunteered, the countless connections facilitated to the area’s philanthropic community and for your gifts made from compassion for a mission essential to thousands of lives across Texas and beyond. Thank you.
So far, 2023 has been an interesting year for major gifts. We have increased the number of major gift requests for 2023 by almost 30% compared to 2022, and at this time are on track to perform as we did in 2022, as it relates to gifts awarded by number and value. That means we worked harder for the same return. That makes sense if you recall that charitable donations are on the decline across the nation. I believe in continuous process improvement and with some creativity and a whole lot of sincerity, we shall move forward in the years to come.
Today, we have reason to celebrate the successes won, in many cases, by your involvement in donor outreach and gift stewardship. Due to many of your efforts, we have secured several large gifts this year. One of special note comes from H-E-B in support of our mobile fleet needs. We also wish to celebrate gifts from the Joan & Herb Kelleher Charitable Foundation and Amy Shelton McNutt Charitable Trust supporting donor recruitment and retention; Lynch Foundation, Jeanie Rabke Wyatt Family Foundation, and Community Labs supporting enhanced outreach to the travelers on IH 10 via our new electronic billboard to be erected in 2024; and Energy Transfer for their first-time support of our mission via Daimond Sponsor of our 2023 Red & White Ball. Gotta give it to the band Rare Earth, as I cannot shake the music of their seminal hit – “I Just Want to Celebrate”.
Let’s take our joy and share it with our supporters and potential supporters. If you know anyone associated with any of the organizations identified above, please contact them and express your gratitude for joining you in raising awareness and resources for our lifesaving mission. Thank you!
