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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">It can be discouraging. In talking with churches and other nonprofit entities, there is seemingly a general feeling that the spirit of volunteerism is down—particularly with regard to fundraising (both giving
and organizing). That is why lists such as this one and the encouragement and ideas we are given by the list moderators is invaluable. Ideas and trends will come and go. Nevertheless, it is incumbent on us as individuals in positions of leadership to cultivate
as much enthusiasm and excitement as possible in our membership. This can be a thankless and difficult task, but the rewards (membership and monetary) are well worth any frustration. Thanks for all the good ideas and dialog. I will be putting some of them
before our affiliate and its chapters for future consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Eric Guillory, Director of Youth Services<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Louisiana Center for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">101 South Trenton Street<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Ruston, LA 71270<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Voice: 800-234-4166<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Fax: 318-251-0109<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Twitter: ericguillory<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Skype: brllovingdad<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><a href="http://www.louisianacenter.org/"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.louisianacenter.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#1F497D">“Together, we are changing what it means to be blind.”</span></b><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Cash-and-Caring [mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Cash-and-Caring<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 8:47 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> 'Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates'<br>
<b>Cc:</b> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Our student division used to do the exact same fundraiser, the one exception being the chapter battle. It used to be a highlight of state convention. Lots of people attended, staying late, having fun, with lots
of contestant participation, and raising a good amount for the division. For a few years now, fewer and fewer people attended, including students, and it got to the point where it was not worth the effort, unfortunately. The last 4 or 5 years, only a handful
of people signed up to compete, and only slightly more attended, most drifting off, away from the room where the event was. This year, no one on the student division board wanted to do it, and there did not seem to be interest from anyone else. I don’t see
it coming back anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">I know I often sound like a naysayer on this list, full of negativity, and I apologize for this. I’m actually a much more positive person, willing to boost morale. It’s just that I’ve seen this decline in interest
in my chapter and affiliate for a while, from both members and non-members. What used to be successful and work, no longer does. What used to excite people and make them invest, no longer does. New ideas have been considered and tried, but we continue to see
this lack of interest. So it becomes frustrating for those of us still dedicated and invested and wanting to see growth and motivation. Not so sure what the answers are any more.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D">Bridgit<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> Cash-and-Caring [mailto:cash-and-caring-bounces@nfbnet.org]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Chang, Patti via Cash-and-Caring<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, December 21, 2016 6:54 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Fund-raising assistance for Chapters and Affiliates <cash-and-caring@nfbnet.org><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Chang, Patti <PChang@nfb.org><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Cash-and-caring] IABS IDOL<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our student chapter on Friday night of convention has a fun fundraiser patterned onIdol. It is a talent or lack of talent contest. Each person pays a $5 entry fee that gives them their first ticket to perform. Each performance costs $5
after that first one. People can choose their music. Karaoke with or without the vocals are usual but some people bring their own instruments. We have three judges, NABS rep, National rep, and a guest. The performances keep coming. There is a battle of the
chapters when each chapter sings something from a theme. This year it was sports. In fact the chapter that wins that battle gets to pick the theme for the battle next year. The judges comment after each performance which can be quite fun and funny. There is
also an individual winner who gets a gift card. Our students have done quite well with this. The beauty is that this fund raiser takes only three or so people to run it well.
<o:p></o:p></p>
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