Headliner Penelope Burk shared the latest from her donor research to an enthusiastic crowd, and a panel discussion moderated by Cliff Roles on the future of philanthropy provided insights into the good and the bad of today's still struggling economy. Cecy Glenn, CEO of the United Way of Charlotte County, Jerry Koontz, President of the United Way of Manatee County and Stewart W. Stearns, President Emeritus of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County made sure the trends were reflective of our tri-county area.
Special thanks to breakout session leaders Mark Brewer, CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Florida; Carol Butera, CFRE of Children First; Bart Tryon, CFRE of Philanthropy Management; Karin Gustafson, CFRE, President of the YMCA Foundation of Sarasota; and Richard Gans, Shareholder of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A.
Shout outs to Manatee Educational Television for taking such great care in filming the event. What a crew! The staff at Anna Maria Island Community Center made the day especially nice for us. We thank Pierrette Kelly and committee members Donna Dunnio and Laura Breeze, CFRE for working with the NRC team to plan such a great day.
Carol Butera, CFRE and Bart Tryon, CFRE talk about major gifts.
Melissa Burtless, Chief Development Officer of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and Jeanne Dubi, President of Sarasota Audubon Society
Jane Lautner, Director of Annual Gifts of the Pines of Sarasota Foundation
Sharna Finkelstein, Program Assistant at the Nonprofit Resource Center, with Laura Breeze, CFRE, Advancement Director of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County
Charles Clapsaddle & crew of METV stayed with us all day for filming and interviews with attendees.
Liz Shirley of the Animal Rescue Coalition with father Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Sarasota County Arts Council
To all those who joined us and to those who did not, happy fundraising and we'll see you at the Forum next year! Until then, stay plugged in with all of the interesting and essential topics covered in our regular professional development luncheons.
