The Mentor program provides opportunities to learn from experienced BDOG pros. If you opt to have a Mentor, you can rely on them as your occasional “phone a friend” when you need some extra BDOG help or attend virtual gatherings (if offered). Mentors are available from January to May. We recommend new organizations and Team Captains connect with a Mentor at least once.
The Mentor program provides opportunities to learn from experienced BDOG pros. If you opt to have a Mentor, you can rely on them as your occasional “phone a friend” when you need some extra BDOG help or attend virtual gatherings (if offered). Mentors are available from January to May. We recommend new organizations and Team Captains connect with a Mentor at least once.
Julie Bornhoft
Julie Bornhoft
Top skills: Board engagement, social media marketing, and setting fundraising goals
Email: jbornhoeft@weaveinc.org
Organization: WEAVE
I am the Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at WEAVE Inc. where I've worked since 2007. My current role includes overseeing revenue generating activities including philanthropic fundraising and ensuring the agency's long-term viability. I count BDOG as one of the successes I am most proud of at WEAVE. We have been able to leverage BDOG to bolster our annual giving program and used BDOG to share new initiatives and spark increased engagement from our supporters. BDOG has been an excellent way to leverage friendly competition with our Board of Directors to achieve 100% giving. I love brainstorming ways to leverage BDOG as a way to grow your annual giving programs, all the ways board members can be part of your BDOG success no matter the size of your organization, and really enjoy reading content for GivingEdge profiles and appeals and giving feedback on crafting the strongest case to support your organization.
Top skills: Board engagement, social media marketing, and setting fundraising goals
Email: jbornhoeft@weaveinc.org
Organization: WEAVE
I am the Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at WEAVE Inc. where I've worked since 2007. My current role includes overseeing revenue generating activities including philanthropic fundraising and ensuring the agency's long-term viability. I count BDOG as one of the successes I am most proud of at WEAVE. We have been able to leverage BDOG to bolster our annual giving program and used BDOG to share new initiatives and spark increased engagement from our supporters. BDOG has been an excellent way to leverage friendly competition with our Board of Directors to achieve 100% giving. I love brainstorming ways to leverage BDOG as a way to grow your annual giving programs, all the ways board members can be part of your BDOG success no matter the size of your organization, and really enjoy reading content for GivingEdge profiles and appeals and giving feedback on crafting the strongest case to support your organization.
Larisa Bryski
Larisa Bryski
Top skills: Event planning, marketing, and storytelling
Email: larisa@girlsrocksacramento.com
Organization: Girls Rock Sacramento
I am a long-time Sacramento musician, songwriter, and vocal coach, as well as a veteran of the local nonprofit community. With one foot firmly planted in music performance and education, and the other in youth advocacy and empowerment, I have spent most of my adult life bouncing between the two worlds. I have a background in fundraising and public relations and was proud to help Sierra Adoption Services (now Stanford Sierra Youth and Families) reach their 2004 Capital Campaign goal. I was also the Director of Skip's Music's award-winning Stairway to Stardom youth music program for ten years. In 2016, I co-founded the nonprofit G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, where I serve as Executive Director, studio manager, and "rock camp mom." I currently teach 35 private vocal students per week, enjoy performing with my guitarist husband, and love spending quality time with our teen daughter. I love the BDOG community and look forward to another successful season of collaboration and philanthropy. Let's do this!
Top skills: Event planning, marketing, and storytelling
Email: larisa@girlsrocksacramento.com
Organization: Girls Rock Sacramento
I am a long-time Sacramento musician, songwriter, and vocal coach, as well as a veteran of the local nonprofit community. With one foot firmly planted in music performance and education, and the other in youth advocacy and empowerment, I have spent most of my adult life bouncing between the two worlds. I have a background in fundraising and public relations and was proud to help Sierra Adoption Services (now Stanford Sierra Youth and Families) reach their 2004 Capital Campaign goal. I was also the Director of Skip's Music's award-winning Stairway to Stardom youth music program for ten years. In 2016, I co-founded the nonprofit G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento, where I serve as Executive Director, studio manager, and "rock camp mom." I currently teach 35 private vocal students per week, enjoy performing with my guitarist husband, and love spending quality time with our teen daughter. I love the BDOG community and look forward to another successful season of collaboration and philanthropy. Let's do this!
Marisa DeSalles
Marisa DeSalles
Top skills: Social media marketing, board facilitation, and CRM management
Email: marisadesalles48@gmail.com
After 12 years of growing Project RIDE's horseback therapy program, I am now a nonprofit consultant specializing in small, startup, volunteer-run, and BIPOC-led organizations. My approach to fundraising is community centered and focused on creatively using philanthropy to remedy generational harms. I am a data nerd who grows soil, food, animals, people, and habitat in South Sacramento. Find her at https://marisadesalles.com or @kidscatzntech TW/IG.
Top skills: Social media marketing, board facilitation, and CRM management
Email: marisadesalles48@gmail.com
After 12 years of growing Project RIDE's horseback therapy program, I am now a nonprofit consultant specializing in small, startup, volunteer-run, and BIPOC-led organizations. My approach to fundraising is community centered and focused on creatively using philanthropy to remedy generational harms. I am a data nerd who grows soil, food, animals, people, and habitat in South Sacramento. Find her at https://marisadesalles.com or @kidscatzntech TW/IG.
Kimberly Diaz
Kimberly Diaz
Top skills: Strategic planning, board engagement, donor engagement
Email: kimberly@kimberlydiazphilanthropy.com
Since 2019, Kimberly has served as a Big Day of Giving mentor, working closely with corporate, foundation, and individual donors to help them reach their philanthropic goals. During her six-year tenure leading the Big Day of Giving campaign for the American Red Cross, she significantly increased the number of donors, boosted the organization’s leaderboard standings, and more than doubled the dollars raised.
After seven years as the Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer, raising over $4.5 million for the Red Cross, Kimberly launched Kimberly Diaz Philanthropy to focus on empowering small local non-profits. She particularly enjoys collaborating with peer mentors and helping organizations new to the Big Day of Giving succeed. For her, a successful campaign begins with a well-thought-out plan, and Big Day of Giving holds a special place in her heart, as it brings the community together to support local causes.
Top skills: Strategic planning, board engagement, donor engagement
Email: kimberly@kimberlydiazphilanthropy.com
Since 2019, Kimberly has served as a Big Day of Giving mentor, working closely with corporate, foundation, and individual donors to help them reach their philanthropic goals. During her six-year tenure leading the Big Day of Giving campaign for the American Red Cross, she significantly increased the number of donors, boosted the organization’s leaderboard standings, and more than doubled the dollars raised.
After seven years as the Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer, raising over $4.5 million for the Red Cross, Kimberly launched Kimberly Diaz Philanthropy to focus on empowering small local non-profits. She particularly enjoys collaborating with peer mentors and helping organizations new to the Big Day of Giving succeed. For her, a successful campaign begins with a well-thought-out plan, and Big Day of Giving holds a special place in her heart, as it brings the community together to support local causes.
Erika Fatula
Erika Fatula
Top skills: Authentic Storytelling, Graphic Design, Donor Stewardship
Email: efatula@rivercityfoodbank.org
Organization: River City Food Bank
I am the Director of Development and Marketing at River City Food Bank. Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Sacramento with my husband 13 years ago, saw how incredible this community was and knew that I wanted to give back. That’s when I began working with local nonprofits to help build their brand and impact. Now, with more than a decade of fundraising and marketing experience, I focus on authentic storytelling and building meaningful relationships to grow our mission.
Since joining River City Food Bank five years ago as a team of one, and now expanding to a team of three, I know firsthand what it’s like to make big impacts with a small but mighty team. Participating in Big Day of Giving since 2015 has been a highlight of my nonprofit journey, and I’m thrilled to serve as a mentor for my fellow fundraisers out there making a difference in the community. Let’s connect and make this year’s BDOG a memorable one for your organization!
Top skills: Authentic Storytelling, Graphic Design, Donor Stewardship
Email: efatula@rivercityfoodbank.org
Organization: River City Food Bank
I am the Director of Development and Marketing at River City Food Bank. Originally from the East Coast, I moved to Sacramento with my husband 13 years ago, saw how incredible this community was and knew that I wanted to give back. That’s when I began working with local nonprofits to help build their brand and impact. Now, with more than a decade of fundraising and marketing experience, I focus on authentic storytelling and building meaningful relationships to grow our mission.
Since joining River City Food Bank five years ago as a team of one, and now expanding to a team of three, I know firsthand what it’s like to make big impacts with a small but mighty team. Participating in Big Day of Giving since 2015 has been a highlight of my nonprofit journey, and I’m thrilled to serve as a mentor for my fellow fundraisers out there making a difference in the community. Let’s connect and make this year’s BDOG a memorable one for your organization!
Tonya Goins
Tonya Goins
Top skills: Board engagement, donor engagement, and traditional marketing
Email: tonyagoins2024@gmail.com
I was the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at The First Tee of Greater Sacramento for 7 years. In the past five years, I have worked directly with the Executive Director and board to focus on raising the funds necessary to support the organization. The First Tee of Greater Sacramento has finished within the top 10 non-profits in the region during Big Day of Giving for the last 5 years. I have been their Team Captain handling the marketing and social media for the organization.
Top skills: Board engagement, donor engagement, and traditional marketing
Email: tonyagoins2024@gmail.com
I was the Director of Marketing and Community Relations at The First Tee of Greater Sacramento for 7 years. In the past five years, I have worked directly with the Executive Director and board to focus on raising the funds necessary to support the organization. The First Tee of Greater Sacramento has finished within the top 10 non-profits in the region during Big Day of Giving for the last 5 years. I have been their Team Captain handling the marketing and social media for the organization.
Licia Green
Licia Green
Top skills: Personal engagement of donors, generating matching funds, and storytelling with emotional impact
Email: liciak@cchatsacramento.org
Organization: CCHAT Center
The birth of my profoundly deaf twin girls changed the trajectory of our lives. Once an elementary school teacher, my passion for making a difference in the lives of children is now fulfilled as the Development Director for the CCHAT Center – Children’s Choice for Hearing and Talking – in Rancho Cordova. In this role, I educate the Sacramento region on CCHAT’s listening and spoken language services developed specifically for children with hearing loss and raise the funds necessary to support this life-changing program.
CCHAT has participated in Big Day of Giving since 2015. Relationships are key to fundraising success. BDOG is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet and work with other amazing nonprofit professionals. I am happy to share how I generate matching funds, utilize CCHAT’s board members to personally connect with donors and incorporate storytelling to highlight the children and families who benefit from our services.
Top skills: Personal engagement of donors, generating matching funds, and storytelling with emotional impact
Email: liciak@cchatsacramento.org
Organization: CCHAT Center
The birth of my profoundly deaf twin girls changed the trajectory of our lives. Once an elementary school teacher, my passion for making a difference in the lives of children is now fulfilled as the Development Director for the CCHAT Center – Children’s Choice for Hearing and Talking – in Rancho Cordova. In this role, I educate the Sacramento region on CCHAT’s listening and spoken language services developed specifically for children with hearing loss and raise the funds necessary to support this life-changing program.
CCHAT has participated in Big Day of Giving since 2015. Relationships are key to fundraising success. BDOG is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet and work with other amazing nonprofit professionals. I am happy to share how I generate matching funds, utilize CCHAT’s board members to personally connect with donors and incorporate storytelling to highlight the children and families who benefit from our services.
Melissa Kelley
Melissa Kelley
Top skills: Donor engagement, board engagement, event planning
Email: melissak@sonc.org
Organization: Special Olympics Northern California
As a Senior Development Director for Special Olympics Northern California, I oversee fundraising for the Sacramento/North region, which spans from Winters to the Oregon border. With 16 years of professional fundraising experience for organizations of all sizes, both locally and nationally, I have had the privilege of serving as a BDOG team captain for nine years at various local nonprofits. Passionate about the power of community, I am thrilled to share my expertise as a BDOG mentor, supporting those newer to the program.
Top skills: Donor engagement, board engagement, event planning
Email: melissak@sonc.org
Organization: Special Olympics Northern California
As a Senior Development Director for Special Olympics Northern California, I oversee fundraising for the Sacramento/North region, which spans from Winters to the Oregon border. With 16 years of professional fundraising experience for organizations of all sizes, both locally and nationally, I have had the privilege of serving as a BDOG team captain for nine years at various local nonprofits. Passionate about the power of community, I am thrilled to share my expertise as a BDOG mentor, supporting those newer to the program.
Megan Laurie
Megan Laurie
Top skills: Board engagement, events, plan management, storytelling
Email: mlaurie@ucpsacto.org
Organization: UCP of Sacramento and Northern California
I have been in the fundraising world in some capacity for over 16 years. Currently, I serve as the Director of Development and Marketing for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, having joined in May of 2021. Our development/marketing team consists of 2.5 people, including me, so I know what it is like to wear many different hats and how to be creative with limited resources and time. I have either been a part of or led seven BDOG campaigns. BDOG is an amazing opportunity to try something new, be creative, have fun, and connect with fellow nonprofits, community members, and donors.
Top skills: Board engagement, events, plan management, storytelling
Email: mlaurie@ucpsacto.org
Organization: UCP of Sacramento and Northern California
I have been in the fundraising world in some capacity for over 16 years. Currently, I serve as the Director of Development and Marketing for UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, having joined in May of 2021. Our development/marketing team consists of 2.5 people, including me, so I know what it is like to wear many different hats and how to be creative with limited resources and time. I have either been a part of or led seven BDOG campaigns. BDOG is an amazing opportunity to try something new, be creative, have fun, and connect with fellow nonprofits, community members, and donors.
Kristin Stuhr
Kristin Stuhr
Top skills: Event planning, marketing, and campaign organization
Email: k.stuhr@twopoint4dance.org
Organization: TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre, Inc. and DCA Partners
I’m a performer, instructor, and choreographer who fell in love with movement for its ability to express what words cannot. My love of expression and the arts led me to a career in studio management and after that the transition to nonprofit work was natural and seamless. I began as a Development Associate at Blue Line Arts and was quickly promoted to running the development efforts and meeting strategic goals established by the board of directors. In 2023 I ran the BDOG campaign for Blue Line Arts and met the stretch goal of $25,000 for our organization. Now I'm assisting in the coordination of events, administration, and charitable efforts at DCA Partners in Roseville as well as Co-Executive Director for TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre, Inc. At DCA I helped with the 2024 Capital Cup which raised over two million for local nonprofits and at TwoPoint4 we’re gearing up for our outreach performances and production of HOME in the spring. This year as a mentor, my focus is on helping first time arts organizations and creative folk plan their campaigns and tell their story.
Top skills: Event planning, marketing, and campaign organization
Email: k.stuhr@twopoint4dance.org
Organization: TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre, Inc. and DCA Partners
I’m a performer, instructor, and choreographer who fell in love with movement for its ability to express what words cannot. My love of expression and the arts led me to a career in studio management and after that the transition to nonprofit work was natural and seamless. I began as a Development Associate at Blue Line Arts and was quickly promoted to running the development efforts and meeting strategic goals established by the board of directors. In 2023 I ran the BDOG campaign for Blue Line Arts and met the stretch goal of $25,000 for our organization. Now I'm assisting in the coordination of events, administration, and charitable efforts at DCA Partners in Roseville as well as Co-Executive Director for TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre, Inc. At DCA I helped with the 2024 Capital Cup which raised over two million for local nonprofits and at TwoPoint4 we’re gearing up for our outreach performances and production of HOME in the spring. This year as a mentor, my focus is on helping first time arts organizations and creative folk plan their campaigns and tell their story.
Linda Revilla
Linda Revilla
Top skills: Event planning, storytelling, and traditional marketing
Email: lrevilla@mowsac.org
Organization: Meals on Wheels by ACC
I’m the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Meals on Wheels here in Sacramento County. I enjoy working with our senior community, my dedicated co-workers, and the 200+ volunteers that expand our capacity to serve. In former job at another nonprofit, I originated the BDOG marquee event, which has become their primary fundraiser. Here at Meals on Wheels, for BDOG we try to accommodate our donor base, which tends to be older and not comfortable with online giving. We’ve been building on different strategies each year. Our most recent year raised about $80,000, and we know we can do better!
Top skills: Event planning, storytelling, and traditional marketing
Email: lrevilla@mowsac.org
Organization: Meals on Wheels by ACC
I’m the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Meals on Wheels here in Sacramento County. I enjoy working with our senior community, my dedicated co-workers, and the 200+ volunteers that expand our capacity to serve. In former job at another nonprofit, I originated the BDOG marquee event, which has become their primary fundraiser. Here at Meals on Wheels, for BDOG we try to accommodate our donor base, which tends to be older and not comfortable with online giving. We’ve been building on different strategies each year. Our most recent year raised about $80,000, and we know we can do better!
Susan Reynolds
Susan Reynolds
Top skills: Board engagement, goal setting, and traditional marketing
Email: rbs@cwo.com
Organization: Friends for Survival, Inc.
I am a Sacramento native. I worked in the legal industry as a legal secretary, paralegal and consultant until 2006. Since then, I have dedicated my life to local philanthropic and charitable causes. My strong communication and leadership skills give me the ability to quickly assess the needs of your business and craft a plan with your team. I am a life coach (certified through Life Purpose Institute) and also a peer support specialist. I love meeting and working with the BDOG team and other mentors to empower passionate people in our community.
Top skills: Board engagement, goal setting, and traditional marketing
Email: rbs@cwo.com
Organization: Friends for Survival, Inc.
I am a Sacramento native. I worked in the legal industry as a legal secretary, paralegal and consultant until 2006. Since then, I have dedicated my life to local philanthropic and charitable causes. My strong communication and leadership skills give me the ability to quickly assess the needs of your business and craft a plan with your team. I am a life coach (certified through Life Purpose Institute) and also a peer support specialist. I love meeting and working with the BDOG team and other mentors to empower passionate people in our community.
Julie Rhoten
Julie Rhoten
Top skills: Matching funds, board engagement, and donor engagement
Email: julie@stanfordsettlement.org
Organization: Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center
I love what I do for a living! I've worked at Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center for the past 30 years, and I've seen how the agency's mission and programs literally changes lives. In August 2019, I became the Executive Director. I have my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, and my specialty is group work. I love the collaborative, caring, all-in-the-same-boat feeling that comes with being part of BDOG. Creativity is part of my attempt to keep a work-life balance, especially cooking and craft projects.
Top skills: Matching funds, board engagement, and donor engagement
Email: julie@stanfordsettlement.org
Organization: Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center
I love what I do for a living! I've worked at Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center for the past 30 years, and I've seen how the agency's mission and programs literally changes lives. In August 2019, I became the Executive Director. I have my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work, and my specialty is group work. I love the collaborative, caring, all-in-the-same-boat feeling that comes with being part of BDOG. Creativity is part of my attempt to keep a work-life balance, especially cooking and craft projects.
Shacunda Rodgers
Shacunda Rodgers
Top skills: Storytelling, Marketing, and Event Planning
Email: shacunda@weareholdingspace.org
Organization: Holding Space
The driving force in my life, both personally and professionally is to help others in need. While I have been practicing as a clinical psychologist for nearly 20 years, my work has expanded into the nonprofit arena, where I am the founder and executive director of Holding Space. While we are a relatively new nonprofit, we have had quite a bit of success in fundraising, thanks to our participation in BDOG and all that we’ve learned as part of this process. I am excited to share what has worked for us, and am looking forward to exploring how impactful storytelling, cultivating relationships, and compelling marketing strategies can set other organizations up for fundraising success. It is a true honor to be a BDOG mentor this year, and my hope is to be a thought partner and sounding board for those who are also committed to making the world a better place.
Top skills: Storytelling, Marketing, and Event Planning
Email: shacunda@weareholdingspace.org
Organization: Holding Space
The driving force in my life, both personally and professionally is to help others in need. While I have been practicing as a clinical psychologist for nearly 20 years, my work has expanded into the nonprofit arena, where I am the founder and executive director of Holding Space. While we are a relatively new nonprofit, we have had quite a bit of success in fundraising, thanks to our participation in BDOG and all that we’ve learned as part of this process. I am excited to share what has worked for us, and am looking forward to exploring how impactful storytelling, cultivating relationships, and compelling marketing strategies can set other organizations up for fundraising success. It is a true honor to be a BDOG mentor this year, and my hope is to be a thought partner and sounding board for those who are also committed to making the world a better place.
Synthia Smith
Synthia Smith
Top skills: Board engagement, donor engagement, event planning, setting fundraising goals, and storytelling
Email: ssmith@sistersofnia.org
Organization: Sisters of Nia
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Sisters of Nia, Inc. (founded in 2009), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving adolescent girls in grades 6-8. We aim to reinforce and bring out the natural strengths in girls while encouraging them to live their life with a purpose. Sisters of Nia is primarily funded by grants and individual community donations. We are a very grassroots but also a very comprehensive program; we have managed to leverage our extensive community support and positive reputation to secure a large donor base. Participating in BDOG has definitely increased our donorship and funding. We have participated in BDOG since 2014; I have led each campaign and have learned some tips and tricks along the way to help increase our donor number and amount we raise. I am excited to be a mentor and look forward to supporting in any way I can.
Top skills: Board engagement, donor engagement, event planning, setting fundraising goals, and storytelling
Email: ssmith@sistersofnia.org
Organization: Sisters of Nia
I am the Founder and Executive Director of Sisters of Nia, Inc. (founded in 2009), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving adolescent girls in grades 6-8. We aim to reinforce and bring out the natural strengths in girls while encouraging them to live their life with a purpose. Sisters of Nia is primarily funded by grants and individual community donations. We are a very grassroots but also a very comprehensive program; we have managed to leverage our extensive community support and positive reputation to secure a large donor base. Participating in BDOG has definitely increased our donorship and funding. We have participated in BDOG since 2014; I have led each campaign and have learned some tips and tricks along the way to help increase our donor number and amount we raise. I am excited to be a mentor and look forward to supporting in any way I can.
Kara Walker
Kara Walker
Top skills: Encouraging and facilitating board engagement around BDOG, identifying creative donor engagement opportunities, encouraging the use of fundraising pages, and securing and promoting matching funds
Email: kara.walker@placerlandtrust.org
Organization: Placer Land Trust
I have spent the past 20+ years working for nonprofits, big and small, supporting my passions of the environment and kids. I've had the fortune of playing multiple roles in the fundraising cycle, and seeing the true impact a donor can make when they give where their heart is. My first introduction to giving days took place in Silicon Valley where I worked at a well-known, $50 million+ organization that casually threw their hat into the ring of Silicon Valley Gives. At the same time, I was interviewing at Placer Land Trust who was participating in the Big Day of Giving for the first time. I had assumed that the large institution I worked for would blow little Placer Land Trust out of the water, but it was quite the opposite. It goes to show that you get out of these giving days what you put in-a little planning and effort goes a long way!
Now that I've been leading our Big Days of Giving campaigns since 2015, I gladly share my experience that has led to our success on the Big Day with other participating nonprofits with the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats. Over the years I’ve learned through trial and error what works and what doesn't work for us for BDOG. We’ve found that it’s more important to spend time on direct donor outreach than on trying to seize every opportunity. I’ve learned to cut out a lot of the “fluff” that used to really stress me out and focus on what really matters (and works) in planning a successful BDOG campaign.
Top skills: Encouraging and facilitating board engagement around BDOG, identifying creative donor engagement opportunities, encouraging the use of fundraising pages, and securing and promoting matching funds
Email: kara.walker@placerlandtrust.org
Organization: Placer Land Trust
I have spent the past 20+ years working for nonprofits, big and small, supporting my passions of the environment and kids. I've had the fortune of playing multiple roles in the fundraising cycle, and seeing the true impact a donor can make when they give where their heart is. My first introduction to giving days took place in Silicon Valley where I worked at a well-known, $50 million+ organization that casually threw their hat into the ring of Silicon Valley Gives. At the same time, I was interviewing at Placer Land Trust who was participating in the Big Day of Giving for the first time. I had assumed that the large institution I worked for would blow little Placer Land Trust out of the water, but it was quite the opposite. It goes to show that you get out of these giving days what you put in-a little planning and effort goes a long way!
Now that I've been leading our Big Days of Giving campaigns since 2015, I gladly share my experience that has led to our success on the Big Day with other participating nonprofits with the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats. Over the years I’ve learned through trial and error what works and what doesn't work for us for BDOG. We’ve found that it’s more important to spend time on direct donor outreach than on trying to seize every opportunity. I’ve learned to cut out a lot of the “fluff” that used to really stress me out and focus on what really matters (and works) in planning a successful BDOG campaign.
Mackenzie Wieser
Mackenzie Wieser
Top skills: Board engagement, setting fundraising goals, matching funds, and social media marketing
Email: mackenzie@sacsplash.org
Organization: Sacramento Splash
I have 20+ years of experience in engaging teams to meet their goals while driving social impact. I am determined to protect the environment by educating my community about simple changes we can all make in our behavior, actions, and by reducing waste. I believe firmly in giving young people a seat at the decision-making table. Before becoming the Executive Director of Splash, I served as Governor Brown appointee focused on climate policy. I also served as the Chair of Elk Grove's City Planning Commission. I have been leading Splash in the Big Day of Giving since 2020, and we have raised over $625,000 by participating in this amazing event. I have been a mentor since 2021 because I love to help others as they gear up for a momentous day of giving! Let me help you succeed and smash your fundraising goals this year on BDOG, start now by raising matching funds!
Top skills: Board engagement, setting fundraising goals, matching funds, and social media marketing
Email: mackenzie@sacsplash.org
Organization: Sacramento Splash
I have 20+ years of experience in engaging teams to meet their goals while driving social impact. I am determined to protect the environment by educating my community about simple changes we can all make in our behavior, actions, and by reducing waste. I believe firmly in giving young people a seat at the decision-making table. Before becoming the Executive Director of Splash, I served as Governor Brown appointee focused on climate policy. I also served as the Chair of Elk Grove's City Planning Commission. I have been leading Splash in the Big Day of Giving since 2020, and we have raised over $625,000 by participating in this amazing event. I have been a mentor since 2021 because I love to help others as they gear up for a momentous day of giving! Let me help you succeed and smash your fundraising goals this year on BDOG, start now by raising matching funds!