Hitting the Road with GiftWorks: To Connecticut we go November 18, 2011 By Kaitlan Mitchell

Four hours through three states with two of GiftWorks finest sharing
one bag of Chex Mix.

The adventure to Connecticut was worth the trip for a number of reasons.

GiftWorks vagabonds ventured to Cromwell, CT for the Connecticut
Association of Nonprofits’ ninth annual Point of Change Conference.
GiftWorks spectacular Customer Care Representative Lisa Breneman and
the new Marketing and Social Media Coordinator Kaitlan Mitchell manned
the booth where nonprofits shared their mission – exchanging inspiring
stories of obstacles and success. At certain points during the
conference, before Lisa and Kaitlan could answer questions of those
considering GiftWorks, some of our current customers swooped in and
provided live testaments of GiftWorks effectiveness. We have the best
community of nonprofits around and that certainly was made even more
clear in CT.

GiftWorks would like to give Mark Berardi a big thanks for his warm
welcome and making the 2011 Point of Change Conference a great event
for all attendees.

Another highlight of the conference was getting the chance to listen
to keynote speaker Craig Kielburger, who at the age of 12 founded Free
The Children - a movement that would create 650 schools and school
rooms to youth in addition to providing clean water, health care and
sanitation to one million people around the globe. Craig is a prime
example of why it is imperative for nonprofits to focus their efforts
on engaging younger generations to get involved and volunteer.
Governor Dannel Malloy attended the conference as well.

Yes, we have a lot of explanations as to why these state conferences
are well-worth the distance, but when you add it all up, getting to
meet passionate nonprofits like Higher Heights Youth Empowerment
Programs, Inc and CitySeed is our number one reason.

Always has been and always will be.

On the Road in New York with GiftWorks October 10, 2011 By Kaitlan Mitchell

Some places are good for the soul.

New Paltz, New York greeted the GiftWorks Team with a two-mile welcome mat of golden leaves. The road that curved and winded up to the Mohonk Mountain House was already outfitted in its autumn attire with fresh foliage and crisp cool air.

In the serene wilderness of Upstate New York, GiftWorks was proud to be an exhibitor of the 2011 New York Council of Nonprofits’ tenth annual Camp Finance.  GiftWorks sent out its very own Sue Wallace, our wonderful and energetic Services Manager and Kaitlan Mitchell, the enthusiastic Marketing and Social Media Coordinator. The two trekked four hours from Lancaster, PA to visit with old friends, meet new and learn more about pressing fiscal matters for nonprofits. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the GiftWorks booth.  As always it is great to hear about you and your nonprofit’s progress.

Camp Finance was an in-depth conference for nonprofits to collect more knowledge from area-specific professionals to better the organization’s financial management.  An array of sessions provided beneficial tips on a multitude of topics including how to track efforts contributed in support of federal programs, endowment and restricted funds and the importance of being branded. 

The 2011 Camp Finance was informative and enjoyable. What other state conference do you know of that closes the day with a campfire? GiftWorks would like to send a warm thank you to Valerie Venezia, NYCON’s Vice President of Membership and Marketing for all of her efforts to make Camp Finance a memorable event for all attendees. (Go Phils!)

We spoke with a plethora of nonprofits – relentless even through financial struggle.  After hearing stories of those organizations’ dedication and determination to their mission from places like The Albany Damien Center, the Bronx Council of the Arts, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council,  it made one thing very clear.

Some people are just good for the soul.