I began fundraising for charities at the age of seven. I would go door to door collecting change from my neighbors. You see, my mother would volunteer to be the street captain for organizations such as The American Cancer Society, Muscular Dystrophy, the American Heart Association and the March of Dimes. I BEGGED her to let me make the collection. I would show up at a neighbor's door, this skinny little kid clutching a HUGE envelope and sharing the prescribed success story of the campaign. And so was born my desire to serve my community through nonprofit work.

Today, as a nonprofit professional, I am still a storyteller, and a dedicated nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience, in fundraising, communications, and strategic planning.

I have been attending Planet Philanthropy since I joined AFP in 2012. I have served on the Florida Caucus Board for several years and earned my CFRE in 2017. Professionally, I strive to inspire philanthropy by explaining to donors why now, more than ever, their financial gifts are crucial to support Public Television, specifically WEDU, in its mission to educate people of all ages and create a more informed citizenry.

I have extensive experience in nonprofit and small business management, event planning, fundraising, volunteer management, media relations, and communications. I LOVE working with new-to-the-profession colleagues and sharing with them some of the "tricks of the trades" and insights from my MANY years working in nonprofit organizations. This presentation is geared especially for them!

Personally, I am a rare Florida native (born and raised in Tampa!), married for 40 years to the same fellow, and still living in Tampa with him and her 7 cats, who have taught her much about independence, curiosity, and boundaries!