I promise – this will NOT turn into a blog about Idol.
But I have to weigh in on the charity twist of last night’s episode.It always impresses me when those who have use their clout to help those who have not. And secretly makes me wish I was one of the haves!! Who remembers We are the World in 1985 – the first relief show I can remember.It raised over $50 million for famine relief in Africa.Now I bet you will be humming that song all day!
Was the show exploitive?Well, sure it was – it’s TV after all!But bottom line, they raised awareness for noble causes.And they raised a lot of money that will go far in helping the hungry, the poor, the underserved.And that’s always a good thing in my book.
I was at Crown Trophy today picking up the awards we will be giving to three Good Corporate Citizens on Monday at the Philanthropy Summit...
No, I'm not going to disclose the winners early, but I do want to recognize all the nominees. I should back up though and explain a little about the award. The purpose for our Philanthropy Summit is to encourage innovative partnerships between the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. It is our keynote speaker's charge to encourage and teach us how.
We all have heard of the Drive for the Cure, we all have seen the pink ribbons and Yoplait lids in October. All national campaigns. Why can't we encourage campaigns like those right here in Michiana? I say we CAN! And in many cases we have.
These Good Corporate Citizenship Awards are our chance to salute these businesses who (oftentimes very quietly) support nonprofits in realizing their mission. Now I have a confession to make - I don't choose the winners! I don't want the responsibility and I couldn't possibly be impartial. So we started a tradition last year and asked the Chamber Leadership Class to read the nominations and choose our winners. All the nominees are listed below - just click on the link to read more! And give them a pat on the back next time you see them!
Well, it's 9:30 on Tuesday night and I just finished watching Idol (Melinda and Jordin are my favorites - and I blame my sister, Eileen, for getting me hooked on this show!!) Now I'm back at my computer - working on the last minute details of the Philanthropy Summit that is only 6 days away. As I sit here (obviously procrastinating writing a blog!!) I'm often overwhelmed with how much work there is in planning events - as any of you know who do this for a living, or like my sister, as a volunteer. Long hours, lots of details to tend to, but in the end, when it all comes together it's a great feeling.
It strikes me that there are so many luncheons, dinners, auctions, walks, golf tournaments, and more -- every nonprofit is vying for their event-niche.
It's not just another chicken meal though -- really! But rather a way for each of us to learn more about the nonprofit you've been invited to support. Each of us has a story to tell. Events like the Philanthropy Summit, Homeward Bound, Relay for Life, Tribute to Women... each event is a means for us to tell our story, to connect.
In a way - isn't it a lot like American Idol? it doesn't matter if you have the best vocals/food, the most votes/attendees, if you make it to the stage - you have the chance to change the industry/the world/your neighborhood -- just by being heard. And YOU have the chance to make a difference -- just by listening.
Back to work - I have a summit to plan!
Mary
(PS - Yes, I'll be taking another break tomorrow evening to watch the results show - who do you think will be voted off??)
Well, who knew blogging would be such a hit. We’ve already seen over 400 visitors to the blog page in our first 24 hours! I've been looking forward to launching this BLOG page for months.
And, I can’t thank Center for the Homeless enough for leading the way! Please check out their blog by clicking on their link in the banner above. Blogging will give the Center, and other nonprofits that follow, the opportunity to share their story through the voice of their Executive Director, clients, volunteers, staff, anyone.
And those of us in the nonprofit world know that telling personal stories touches people’s hearts. Touching people’s hearts is the magical way to turn you and me into supporters, volunteers, donors and clients.
And that is our mission. To connect the resources of the community with the nonprofit sector. Blogging is just one very fun way of doing just that. So enjoy our journaling, feel free to post comments, and let us know what you think.
Kristian Darigan will be the key note speaker at this year's Philanthropy Summit. She has led the creation of many of the nation's most critically acclaimed programs and campaigns for: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Dell, Gillette, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Microsoft, PNC Bank, Print, Wells Fargo and many others.
She'll share with us how creating brand personality through a cause can energize your corporate image while building customer loyalty.
Learn more about Cone, Inc, the nation's leading cause marketing consultancy at: www.coneinc.com
On Thursday, April 19th, Make a Difference Michiana will begin offering its nonprofit partners the opportunity to post content on web logs. These blogs are journals for the agency to address issues pertinent to their agency by sharing thoughts, stories, news and more. The nonprofit organizations can raise more awareness for their cause, and the community can learn more about each agency that provides blog content.
We're so excited to give our local nonprofit organizations a place to tell their stories. And we thank the Center for the Homeless for leading the way!
Click on "list of agency blogs" to see what Michiana nonprofits have to say!!
Register today for the Make a Difference Michiana annual Philanthropy Summit, "Create Brand Personality", to be held on Monday, April 30, 2007. 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Century Center | South Bend, IN
The Philanthropy Summit, a luncheon event, will begin at 11:30 - 1:00, at the Century Center in South Bend, IN. A nonprofit expo will be held prior to the luncheon from 11:00 - 11:30. Thirty nonprofit organizations from the region will be exhibiting to attendees of the Philanthropy Summit.
Tickets to the Philanthropy Summit are $40 per seat, and can be purchased online at the Make a Difference Michiana web site, www.makeadifferencemichiana.org, or by calling (574)234-5543.
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Kristian Darigan, VP Cause Branding, Cone, Inc.