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ENF Chairs Prove an Integral Part of Fundraising Success
Chicago: The Elks National Foundation (ENF) relies on state, district and Lodge chairs to offer invaluable personal contact with active and potential donors. The chairs serve as local advocates for the Foundation's mission of helping Elks build stronger communities.
In Lodges across the country, more than 2,100 chairs collect donations, encourage support, and inform members of the latest ENF news and giving methods. The Chairs also work to acquaint new Elks with the Foundation and influence them to become involved with ENF-funded programs.
"Our volunteers truly are the backbone of the Foundation," says Volunteer and Development Manager Meghan Morgan. "They do such a great job reaching out to their fellow Elks. We'd be lost without them."
So far this fiscal year, chairs have collected 64.3 percent of the donations that the ENF has received. That's a total of $2,058, 200.
By assisting with fundraising, chairs play an important role in reaching ENF's donation objectives. This year, GER James McQuillan set the per-member giving goal at $3.85. With three months remaining in the fiscal year, and dedicated volunteers hard at work, per-member giving has already amounted to $2.79.
The Foundation also encourages chairs to reach their own annual goals. The Leadership Challenge asks that at least 75 percent of chairs give, for a minimum donation total of $189,000. Currently, state chairs have reached 63.83 percent participation, followed by 53.5 percent of district chairs and 47.11 percent of Lodge chairs.
"I'm confident that our volunteers will accept the challenge and work hard to surpass these goals," says Meghan.
The Foundation selects exceptional chairs and recognizes them on its website and in a volunteer newsletter. Last month, James Bateman of Summerville, S.C., Lodge was featured for this diligence and dedication. James includes the ENF in every issue of his Lodge's newsletter and sends letters to potential and former donors. To read more about James and other outstanding chairs, visit www.elks.org/enf and scroll down to the Volunteer of the Month section.
For more information on ENF chairs or programs, visit www.elks.org/enf or contact Dana Kavan at danak@elks.org, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, Il. 60614, or 773/755-4858.