Fall 2013 Issue - Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc.

MAGAZINE

The Fundraising Issue A Publication of the Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. Volume 32 | Issue 2 | Fall 2013

ROLL

BUCKS

LET TUCE

CLAMS

BANK

SCRATCH

BILLS

GREENBACKS

BREAD

From the President Fundraising is one of the most valuable skills our members learn. Whether it’s mastering the “art of the ask” or executing a flawless event, the lessons learned provide a foundation upon which to build in other volunteer positions and even in our professional lives. Being able to identify a potential donor or sponsor, assess their motivation to give and successfully articulate why a donation or a partnership is mutually beneficial, is an art form! Throughout this issue we’ve highlighted some of our organization’s master fundraisers, each with wonderful stories of how they achieve success in the fundraising arena. Passion – for an organization’s mission and community work – seems to be a common theme. Finding that passion is also something that our League helps our members identify; it certainly did for me. When I joined, I was unfamiliar with the needs of our community and, like so many, had not seen the other side of Silicon Valley up close and personal. Through committee work such as First Teachers, MPower and Project Development, I became a true stakeholder in our community, and in turn, became more comfortable in sharing this passion with potential donors and finding those win-win partnerships between donors, sponsors and our community. Mine is a common story among our members, and one of the many ROIs that League membership yields.. Donors are the most important people in the fundraising equation. This issue recognizes the people and organizations that passionately support our Junior League mission, community projects and members. Many of our donors are members – and to you I give special thanks, because not only have you invested your valuable time, but also your money. To our donors who are not members, we thank you for your investment in our members and our mission to improve our community through innovative projects and the effective action of trained leaders. As we move towards our 50th-Anniversary year, we will continue to celebrate the partners, sponsors and supporters that have allowed the JLPA•MP to impact our community. And we will continue to make every dollar count.

Joy Baker Peacock President, 2013-2014 Board of Directors

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PIPER 2013 Fall

MAGAZINE

Fall 2013 Piper is a quarterly publication of the Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. It is distributed free of charge to members, advertisers and community partners.

DEPARTMENTS

♪

2 President’s Letter

LA 

4 Editor’s Letter 6 League Events & Calendar What a difference a day makes! League members gave it their all at two recent Done in a Day projects, RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching) and the Junior Giants Festival. Check out the calendar listings for more fun events coming down the pipeline.

23 Member News As the new school year kicks off, Junior Leaguers are ensuring our kids have what they need to succeed, whether it’s a new pair of shoes or the safest fire alarm systems. Plus, a fun challenge: try to name 10 League members who didn’t attend or volunteer at this year’s Menlo Charity Horse Show.

Moolah ON THE COVER: Fundraising doesn’t have to be an unpleasant topic. In fact, there are more ways to talk about money than just

FEATURES

8 Show Us the Money

about anything else, as evidenced by our cover (with illustrations by Kris Spencer-Jones and design concept by Anne Vitullo). We hope this humorous introduction

If you haven’t realized it by now, this is the Fundraising issue.

draws you in to an issue of

We talk dollars and cents with key leaders behind the JLPA•MP’s

Piper that’s both informative

three main fundraisers – the Home Tour, The Shop and the

and inspiring.

Endowment Fund – to find out how they’re upping the ante this year. And we lift the curtain on a crucial aspect of the League’s long-term fiscal stability: Fund Development.

16 Fundraising Superstars Do you struggle to find the "fun" in fundraising? Meet eight Active and Sustaining members who seem to have mastered this delicate art – whether they intended to or not. You might want to take notes!

PIPER 2013 Fall

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Just in time for holiday giving! THE JLPA•MP has teamed up with iGive.com to offer

Online Shopping to Benefit the League! When you shop at more than 1,300 online retailers through iGive.com, up to 26% of your online purchases come back to the League! It’s free, it’s easy and every purchase you make generates a donation to the League. Each League member who makes a purchase through iGive.com within 45 days of joining will generate a bonus $5 donation to the League!

From the Editor The M-Word As you may have guessed from our lighthearted cover (with illustrations by the multi-talented Kris Spencer-Jones), this issue of Piper is devoted to fundraising. It’s a subject that causes many to squirm a little – perhaps a reflection of the belief that it’s not “polite” to talk about money – but one that should be acknowledged and even embraced. To remain a powerful driver of change in our community, the JLPA•MP needs fuel, and that fuel comes from a combination of our members’ hard work and dedication, and, equally crucial, money. This issue takes a look at three current sources of funding – the Finishing Touches Holiday Home Tour and Boutique, The Shop and the Endowment Fund – and reveals some lesser-known facts about each. (For example, what’s Robbie’s most treasured purchase from her many years running The Shop?) We also explore the topic of fund development, and the importance of finding new ways to build capacity and sustainability so the League can continue to thrive long into the future. In addition, we talk dollars and cents with some of the Actives and Sustainers who have distinguished themselves when it comes to raising money, both for the League and on behalf of other worthy causes and organizations. These seasoned pros and rising stars share what it takes to be a fundraising powerhouse. And of course, we fill you in on recent League activities and member news, including the wildly popular Junior Giants Done in a Day event and the 43rd Menlo Charity Horse Show, benefiting Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which drew a long list of League members as both volunteers and attendees. Keep an eye out for our next issue, the Home Tour Special Edition, and keep the updates, calendar items and suggestions coming: [email protected]. In the meantime, here are two parting thoughts related to our theme, from individuals much pithier than I. I hope they’ll make you smile.

how to get started: 1. Use the League’s special link to join iGive.com: http://www.iGive.com/JLPAMP 2. Enter your name, your personal email address and set up a password. Then click Register Now. When you join through the League’s special link, JLPA•MP is automatically selected to benefit every time you make a purchase.

“Wealth flows from energy and ideas.” — William Feather “Money’s like manure. It’s no good unless you spread it around.” — Horace Vandergelder in the musical and movie Hello, Dolly! Sincerely,

3. Begin your online shopping through iGive.com — and give back to the League! If you have any problems setting up your account, click on the “contact us” link or email [email protected].

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PIPER 2013 Fall

Robin Hindery Enan 2013-2014 Piper Chair

TRUSTED TRAVEL ADVISOR/PLANNER Suzanne Bouldoukian

MAGAZINE

A Proud Member of the JLPA•MP

EDITOR DESIGNER Robin Hindery Enan

Kris Spencer-Jones

CONTRIBUTORS

Carissa Ashman

Angela Espinosa

Virginia Chang Kiraly



Catherine Carlton

Melodie Estabrook

Mary Louden



Meaux Costello

Zara Fritts

Mary Minno



Carrie Drake

Marfrisa Geronimo Gipner

Anne Vitullo

2013-2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joy Baker Peacock, President Sara Hollister, Nominating Chair



Jan Hickman, President-Elect



Marcie Brown, Administrative VP

Pamela Wagner, Treasurer



Anne Vitullo, Communications VP

Gabriella Judd Cirelli, Sr. SPAC Delegate



Ashley Redgrave, Community VP Summer Rojas Brill, Special Projects MAL



Amy Aldrich, Finance VP



Calla Griffith, Fundraising VP

Jacquetta Lannan, Secretary

Ann-Christel Graham, Special Projects MAL Jean Limbach, Sustainer Director

Catherine Carlton, Membership Dev. VP Community Projects & PROGRAMS

Community Advisors

Done in a Day

Laurie Bauer, RN, MPH

First Teachers

Pat Foster



InnVision Shelter Network

Assemblyman Rich Gordon



Kids in the Kitchen



Jeanne Kennedy

MPower Sarah Khan Peninsula College Fund Task Force Saree Mading Project READ

State Public Affairs Committee

Margot Mailliard Rawlins Bill Somerville

— Mission Statement — The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. (JLPA•MP)

Whether it is a Villa retreat with your friends and family, or a long weekend with the girlfriends, why do it yourself? Let me help you spend your time on what matters most to you.

is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLPA•MP reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. The JLPA•MP serves the Peninsula communities of Atherton, Belmont, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Los Altos,

Mention this ad and receive a New Client VISATM Gift Card valued at up to $100*

Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, Stanford, Sunnyvale and Woodside.

Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. Women building better communities® 555 Ravenswood Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 321-5026 • FAX (650) 321-7493 www.thejuniorleague.org thejuniorleague.org/blog |

JLPAMP |

@JLPAMP

♼ Printed recycled paper using vegetable-based inks

650.473.8527 [email protected]

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© 2013, Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula, Inc. All rights reserved. *New Client must not have previously booked travel with Cardoza-Bungey Travel or any Worldview Travel branch to qualify. VISATM gift card will be issued when New Client returns from qualifying travel. Certain restrictions apply. Offer may expire without notice. Void where prohibited. CST #1007564-10 PIPER 2013 Fall

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LEAGUE EVENTS Done in a Day—RAFT

Getting cRAFTy for Local Kids and Educators It sounds like the contents of your junk drawer at home: a blank CD, a deflated balloon, a plastic sports bottle cap and an index card. But those seemingly unrelated objects became a creative, educational activity kit for kids at the July 17 Done in a Day event at RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching). Twelve League members and two hard-working League kids gathered at RAFT’s Sunnyvale facility to assemble about 70 “Hovercraft” project kits that Bay Area educators will be able to use to teach a fun lesson about friction, air pressure, motion and inertia. The San Jose-based RAFT was founded in 1994 to inspire, engage and educate children through the power of hands-on teaching. In addition to hundreds of activity kits and idea sheets, the nonprofit offers professional development, mentoring and low-cost teaching supplies to some 10,000 educators who teach kids both inside and outside the classroom. DIAD volunteers made short work of the “Hovercraft” kits, quickly dividing into groups to stack index cards and CDs and remove the pesky plastic rings from each sports bottle cap (a task that left more than a few fingertips a bit raw). By the end of the two-hour event, the group was left with a feeling of accomplishment and concrete evidence of its hard work in the form of kits that would soon be unpacked by eager hands. It was easy to smile at the thought of dozens of hovercrafts—and young imaginations—taking flight. — Robin Hindery Enan, Piper Chair TOP: Paige Blackburn, Caitlin Hyatt and Samantha Quist. BOTTOM: (L to R) DIAD Co-Chairs Samantha Quist and Darice Koo, Brenna Preston and her daughter Reese, Robin Hindery Enan, Beth Ann Brown, Paige Blackburn, Caitlin Hyatt, Kelly Dayton and her son Miller.

Calendar My New Red Shoes DIAD

MPower Board Game Drive

NOVEMBER 6, 7 PM – 9 PM

NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 15

Abilities United Sustainer DIAD

General Membership Meeting

Come to the Gatehouse and

Is Trivial Pursuit threatening

NOVEMBER 2, 9:30 AM

NOVEMBER 20, 6:30 PM

prepare supplies on behalf of My

to tear your family apart? The

For more than a dozen years,

Come talk turkey with your

New Red Shoes. Volunteers will

MPower Committee is happy to

League Sustainers have worked

League friends at the last General

sew and personalize gift bags and

take new or gently used board

as event volunteers at the Abilities

Membership Meeting before the

decorate cards to give each child’s

games off your hands to stock

United Authors Luncheon. Julie

holidays. Keynote speaker: Joanne

bag a personal touch. Some

its “Social Worker Store.” Social

Bratsberg is organizing this year’s

Pasternack-Bardin, Sustainer and

volunteer slots for children ages

workers will pick out a game for

informal Sustainer Done in a Day.

Executive Director of the 49ers

10 and older will be available.

each child in their caseload, to be

Contact Julie to volunteer.

Foundation. JCC, 3921 Fabian

distributed in December. Games for teens are especially needed. Bring your donations to the November General Membership Meeting or the Gatehouse. 6

PIPER 2013 Fall

Way in Palo Alto.

Done in a Day—Junior Giants

Not Your Typical Day at the Ballpark More than three dozen JLPA•MP members, along with their friends and family, headed to AT&T Park in China Basin on August 18 for a day of Major League volunteering at the Junior Giants Festival, a keystone event of the Junior Giants, a free, non-competitive and innovative youth baseball program established by the Giants Community Fund. This year’s Done in a Day event marked three years of crafting healthy snacks for more than 1,400 participants, ages 5 to 18. Reading Around The Bases is the Junior Giants’ summertime literacy program, and the Festival rewards the individual and team reading achievements of its participants with an opportunity to take a swing and run the bases on the San Francisco Giants’ storied field of dreams. Junior Giants serves 20,000 children, and about 1,400 of those kids make it to AT&T Park each summer. The day was rewarding for volunteers as well, from the friendly smiles of the student players to the spectacular view of the stadium as we served the Junior Giants yogurt parfaits from the dugout. The Junior Giants Program emphasizes four bases of character development: confidence, integrity, leadership and teamwork. It reminded me of the qualities that our own League community projects teach both the individuals they serve and our members. Done in a Day event leader Cherry Roberts and DIAD Committee Co-Chair Darice Koo were the League’s MVPs of the day. From the early start at 7:30 a.m. to “last batter out” at 8:30 p.m., Cherry and Darice led three different shifts of volunteers with humor and grace. I brought my sister Anita Reynolds and brother-in-law Tom Reynolds to volunteer, and each remarked what a great experience it was to provide delicious snacks to the children and enjoy the stadium view. — Marfrisa Geronimo Gipner, Communications Council, Web Manager ABOVE: Some of the more than three dozen League volunteers (many of whom brought friends and family members) who helped create an unforgettable experience for local youth -- and themselves! -- at the Junior Giants Festival.

Check eNews and thejuniorleague.org/calendar for the latest additions, updates and to sign-up for Done in a Day events.

Finishing Touches Holiday Home Tour & Boutique

Project Read DIAD

Winter Piper Deadline

Gold & Jewelry Event

DECEMBER 10, 6 PM – 9 PM

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 23, 2 – 8:30 PM

DECEMBER 6 – 7

Get into the holiday spirit while

Submit announcements, news,

Following the success of last

What would the holidays be

helping Project Read throw its

photos and ads to be included

year’s Gold Party, The Shop and

without the Home Tour? Based

annual holiday party. Volunteers

in our Winter issue, focusing on

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry are

at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon

will assist with setup, sing and

“Leadership & Membership.”

expanding this year’s event to

Valley, the JLPA•MP’s not-to-be-

make crafts with the kids and

missed holiday fundraiser offers

distribute gift bags.

General Membership Meeting

breathtaking local homes to a

The Shop Holiday Sale

JANUARY 15, 6:30 PM

festive luncheon to the rollicking

DECEMBER 13–14, 10 AM–5 PM

Join us at the first General

Mistletoe & Martinis cocktail

Find that perfect gift for everyone

Membership Meeting of 2014.

party. See the full lineup of events

on your list (or for yourself, from

Keynote Speaker: Rachel

on page 11 and online at our

“Santa”) at The Shop’s two-day

Thomas, President of the Lean

website.

Holiday Sale. All merchandise will

In Foundation. JCC, 3921 Fabian

be half off!

Way in Palo Alto.

something for everyone—from

include jewelry, sterling silver, platinum, diamonds, colored gemstones and watches. Gather up your unwanted precious metals and gems and bring them in! The Shop will receive 15% of the proceeds from items purchased by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry.

PIPER 2013 Fall

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LEAGUE FUNDRAISERS

$ HOW US THE Money Whether you’re a new Provisional or a longtime Sustainer, you may be surprised by what you don’t know about the three major fundraisers that help sustain the League’s community projects and programs. In the pages ahead, you’ll hear from some of the folks at the helm of these money-making entities, as well as our Fund Development Chair and some JLPA•MP members who have proven themselves standouts when it comes to getting others to open their checkbooks for the League and other worthy causes.

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PIPER 2013 Fall

ROLL

BUCKS

LET TUCE

CLAMS

BANK

SCRATCH

Fund Development Fundraising in Context By Meaux Costello, Fund Development Chair

Fundraising and fund development -- what’s the difference? You hear these words used as though they mean the same thing, but there is a distinction. We’re all familiar with fundraising. It is an activity that is undertaken with the goal of raising money for a nonprofit organization, usually by asking people for donations, having people participate in an event of some sort, or selling a product to derive funds for the organization. Fund development, on the other hand, is the process by which organizations use fundraising to build capacity and sustainability. It is not just concerned with raising money, but with doing so in a way that develops reliable sources of income to sustain the long-term mission and goals of the organization. The League’s Fund Development Committee is focused on diversifying the sources of funding beyond our fundraisers – The Shop, the Endowment Fund and our current event fundraiser, the Home Tour. The committee is also responsible for coordinating our efforts to build relationships with people and other organizations that will support our work in the community. The Fund Development Committee activities include the following: • Researching the focus areas of foundations, corporate donors and grant-making charities for potential sources of grant funding. • Preparing grant proposals and applications to appropriate funding entities, and shepherding the proposal through the submission process.

Meaux Costello

Did You Know? Last year, the Fund Development Committee raised nearly $20,600 – more than twice its initial goal of $10,000!

• Developing corporate partnerships and sponsorships. • Exploring supplemental fundraising sources, such as fundraising shopping events with local stores, and passive fundraising opportunities, such as eScrip, iGive and corporate matching. • Building and maintaining relationships with businesses and organization that will support the JLPA•MP and its mission. Fund Development seeks to find financial support beyond the income provided by the League’s fundraisers. Think of it as diversifying the League’s income portfolio to ensure that our community projects and community grants thrive far into the future.

Double – or Triple – Your Gift to the League! When you make a monetary gift to the League, check to see if your company will match the gift. It’s an easy way to support the League’s fundraising efforts. Most tax-deductible gifts are eligible  –  even your membership fees! Please check out the matching gifts brochure on our website and contact your Human Resources department for information about your employer’s matching gift policy.

PIPER 2013 Fall

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Home Tour Interview conducted by Mary Minno,

Communications Council member

Fall is a special time for the JLPA•MP. It marks the beginning of a new year, a fresh group of Provisional members and preparations for the Finishing Touches Holiday Home Tour & Boutique! Home Tour Co-Chairs Katherine Glass and Caitlin Hyatt are setting the stage for yet another successful event in 2013—an occasion that will be bittersweet for many, as it marks the grand finale of this special fundraiser. Piper caught up with Katherine and Caitlin to learn more about the history of the Home Tour, find out their favorite parts of the weekend-long extravaganza and get a sneak peek of what’s in store for December. Q: Why were you drawn to chair Home Tour this year? Katherine: Heather Caelius and Michelle Altick were great leaders last year. They kept everyone motivated while also making sure everyone had fun. Between seeing their example and knowing Caitlin would be my co-chair, I couldn’t turn the offer down. Caitlin: This is my third year working on the Home Tour, and I had the privilege of learning from Heather and Michelle last year and Helen Ungerman and Kathleen Castaillac the year prior. After seeing what a rewarding experience it could be, this felt like the perfect time to play a leadership role within the League. Q: What is your favorite part of Home Tour? Katherine: It’s hard to choose! It’s hard to top seeing the homes themselves and the beautiful work done by the designers to get them dressed up for the holidays. I also really love Mistletoe & Martinis. It’s the one big party of the year and brings out such a fun crowd. Caitlin: I love getting a glimpse into how everyone puts a spin on the holidays in their homes. The holidays are such a special time of the year and it’s fun to see everyone’s traditions coming to life. Q: What is the history of Home Tour? Caitlin: This is the sixth annual Home Tour and is the biggest fundraising event for the League. The location and schedule of events has changed from year to year, but it always comes down to community members opening their homes to offer a little inspiration around the holidays. It is also the perfect opportunity for League members and their friends to come together and kick off the holidays with the luncheon, cocktail party and tour.

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PIPER 2013 Fall

Q: Is the Home Tour important to the League? Katherine: Absolutely! The Home Tour is the League’s one and only event-based fundraiser, and it’s the one time we can all come out, bring friends, neighbors, partners and spouses, and just have some fun. It also serves a vital role in training committee members across many functions they can use in their personal and professional lives, such as marketing, solicitation, event planning, negotiating, and community building. Q: How does Home Tour connect us to the community? Caitlin: Every Home Tour event is open to the entire community. We are making a push to get the community more involved this year and to let them know about the League and our mission. All of the money we raise through the Home Tour supports our community projects. The League does such amazing work on the Peninsula and we want everyone to know it! Q: What can we look forward to at the Home Tour this year? Caitlin: Of course, the highlight is a tour of some of the most beautiful homes on the Peninsula, decorated by accomplished designers. Katherine: All the favorites are back, like the Festive Luncheon, Mistletoe & Martinis cocktail party, and the Holiday Boutique. Q: Can you share anything special or new planned in 2013? Caitlin: We are expanding our boutique and will have twice the number of vendors on Saturday, focused on home, gifts, children and apparel. Watch for other fun announcements as we get closer to the event. Katherine: We’ve got a few exciting additions to the Saturday schedule, but we’re keeping those under wraps a little bit longer until we get the details finessed. Q: What is the most helpful way for a Junior League member to contribute to Home Tour? Katherine: Our committee has been hard at work for months, but we can always use more help before and during the weekend. Right now we’re continuing to look for event sponsors and in-kind donations, like wine or spa and hotel certificates. And of course, we look forward to having everyone working their volunteer shift throughout Home Tour weekend. Caitlin: Underwrite. Volunteer. Come and enjoy yourself!

Schedule of Events Friday, December 6 Sustainer Shopping & Coffee Hour 10–11 am

Included with Festive Luncheon ticket.

Finishing Touches Boutique 10 am– 3 pm and 6:30–10 pm

Shop for unique holiday gifts and décor from new and well-know vendors in our boutique at Four Seasons Silicon Valley.

Champagne Meet and Greet with Jeffrey Alan Marks 11 am–noon

Hosted by Gentry magazine. Limited number of tickets available

Festive Luncheon featuring Jeffrey Alan Marks noon–3 pm

Hosted by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry. Includes Self-Driven Tour ticket. Celebrated interior designer, TV star and author Jeffrey Alan Marks will be the featured speaker at this year’s Festive Luncheon. The Los Angeles-based Marks, who appears on Bravo’s hit reality show, Million Dollar Decorators, has recently published his first coffee table book, The Meaning of Home (Rizzoli), showcasing 15 of his firm’s projects, from Malibu beach houses to London townhouses.

Provisional Cocktail Hour 6:30–7:30 pm

Hosted by Just Cake. Included with Mistletoe & Martinis ticket

Mistletoe & Martinis cocktail party 7:30–11 pm

Hosted by Derco Diamonds.

Saturday, December 7 Finishing Touches Boutique 10 am–2 pm

Home for the Holidays Demonstration 10–11:30 am

Hosted by Florabella and Kathy Fang. Learn to plan a festive holiday party, featuring seasonal floral arranging, tablescape decorating and menu planning.

Self-Driven and Shuttle-Driven Tour 10 am–2 pm

Event Parking & Check-In Four Seasons Silicon Valley, 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto. Self parking and valet available. Tickets available online soon!

Did You Know? Last year’s Home Tour set a fundraising goal of $70,000—and exceeded that sum by $7,000!

PIPER 2013 Fall

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Endowment Fund

Interview conducted by Mary Louden, Communications Council member

Nearly 20 years ago, the JLPA•MP was one of the first Junior Leagues to establish an Endowment Fund, with the purpose of supporting our community projects. It was seeded with $80,000 from the League’s General Fund. Today, the value of the Endowment Fund is nearly $3.4 million—more than 42 times its original value. Terry Kurfess, Chair of the Endowment Fund, comes to this role with an impressive League resume. She served as the President of the JLPA•MP in 1991-1992, and Sustainer Director in 2000-2001. Additionally, Terry served as Fashion Show Chair, Project Development Chair and Placement Chair. Piper met with Terry to find out why she’s passionate about her current position and what her Board hopes to accomplish through this year’s Annual Appeal. Q: What was your interest in being part of the Endowment Fund? Terry: Nominating asked, and I said “yes!” One of the best things about placement on the Endowment Fund is volunteering with both Terry Kurfess Actives and Sustainers. It is so much fun to be one of many working together toward a common goal. Q: Could you please describe this year’s Annual Appeal? Terry: The theme of this year’s Annual Appeal is “Celebrate the Power of Our Shared Commitment.” We want to focus on our common goal of improving the community. The backdrop of the appeal lists the

Introducing the Piper Donation Envelope and Paystik Mobile App Codes Beginning with this issue, a donation envelope will be enclosed in each printed copy of Piper to make supporting the League as convenient as possible. Use it to contribute to the Endowment Fund, underwrite for the Home Tour or send a gift to our Annual Fund. Or consider making an Endowment Fund gift in honor or memory of someone special. On pages 11 and 12, you’ll find QR (quick response) codes that allow you to donate to the League via the Paystik mobile app. The code on page 11 is for the Home Tour only, while the code to the right will allow you to donate to a variety of League initiatives including the Endowment Fund and the Annual Fund. Thanks for your support!

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PIPER 2013 Fall

projects our League has been involved in over the past 50 years. We hope everyone is reminded of the important work our League has accomplished and how much their efforts have contributed to the success of our projects. Implicit in the annual appeal is a huge thank you to our membership for the time, talent and financial contributions they have made to our League. By supporting the Endowment Fund, our members help to ensure a permanent source of funding for our projects and for developing volunteer leadership now and in the future. Q: What are the goals for this year’s Annual Appeal? Terry: This year, our goals are to increase member participation among both Actives and Sustainers and to increase the total dollars raised. The growth of the fund is the result of our members’ generosity and the work of all of the women who have been on the Endowment Fund Board for more than two decades. Q: What can members do to help the Annual Appeal reach its goals? Terry: The key is more than just writing a check; the key is to focus on the reasons for giving to the Endowment Fund -- to recognize the richness of our history and know that by giving, you are investing in the future of the organization and its continuing ability to improve the community in which we live.

Thank you! The following is a list of Endowment Fund donors from June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. We apologize for any errors or omissions and ask that you please contact the Endowment Fund Secretary at [email protected] with corrections.

Over $2,500

$500 - $999

Up to $199

Susan Bechtel Sally & Craig Falkenhagen Elizabeth Ross Katrina Wollenberg

Shirley Black Kimberly Boyanowski Pamela Brandin Courtney & Michael Charney Lani Dorff Caitlin Field Terry Kurfess Sandra Magnussen Amy McCarthy Ann & Carl Schmitt Jan Woolsey Tory Burch, LLC

Rahela Abbas, Connie Ahern, Amy Aldrich, Christine Alloo, Michelle Altick, Patricia Anderson, Alfreda Andrews, Eugenie Atherton, Brenda Avery, Melissa Badger, Diane Baker, Celia Baron, Nacole Barth-Ellis, Heather Bauer, Lovinda Beal, Cynthia Beeger, Rochelle Bochner, Lisa Brandin, Marcie Brown, Stefanie Bruggeman, Chara Burnett, Kathleen Castaillac, Heather Christensen Barrett, Alexia Clements, Susan Collins, Marian Congdon, Kirsten Crum, Frederique Dame, Anne Dauer, Jacqueline DeMartini, Annina Demmon, Lee Dinneen, Julianna Dodick, Elizabeth Doi-Ludwig, Elizabeth Doran, Kathryn Ann Dougery, Carrie Drake, Carol Dressler, Deborah Eastburn, Judith Engleman, Pamela Estes, Lyn Faust, Wendy Forrester, Gretchen Frank, Justine Franklin, Zara & Lani Fritts, Louise Frye, Patricia Fuller, Susan Gaddis, Dianne Gardiner, Eleanor Gardner, Sally Gardner, Rosie Garlock, Wendy Garrish, Marfrisa Geronimo Gipner, Virginia Glockner, Barbara Glynn, Pamela Goodenough, Kathryn Gould, Michele Grason, Beth Greenberg, Renee Greenstein, Calla Griffith, Donna Hall, Julie Hall, Mary Ann Harris, Mary Harrison, Joan Haynes, Antonie Heren, Janice Hickman, Cynthia Hockey, Michelle Hostrup, Sarah Huq, Moira Jacobs, Laurie Jarrett, Kathy Johnson, Susan Jordan, Myoung Kang, Kathryn Kelly, Kristin Klint, Carole Klove, Sally Knorp, Joan Knowles, Sara Knudsen, Lucy Kohlmeier, Darice Koo, Bren Leisure, Virginia Levick, Ann Limbach, Virginia Loesch, Kathryn Low, Linda Lynch, Jennifer Mac Ewen, Jackie Macdonald, Helen MacKenzie, Bridget Madigan, Ann Malouf, Sidney Marks, Patricia Martin, Mary McCullough, Jane McInnis, Bethany McLean, Barbara McLellan, Kim Meredith, Loretta Mingram, Elizabeth Minno, Susann Mirabella, Gail Moberg, Terry Morrison, Meredith Mortimer Pellegrin, Patricia Moxon, Jennifer Muhlner, Anne Murphy, Marilyn Newell, Katherine Parker, Pamela Perez, Sally Porter, Tracey Prim, Jeanne Quinlan, Margot Rawlins, Tracy Reizner, Gayle Rimerman, Jeanette Ritchie, Vanessa Roach, Angela Robbiano, Linda Romley-Irvine, Karen Ross, Tara Roussel, Mary Rudolph, Diane Sagalowicz, Catherine Salera, Carol Schwartz, Bonnie Smyth, Anne Steiner, Stone Family, Kathryn Swart, Mary Sweeney, Susan Sweeney, Dana Teixeira, Cynthia Traum, Jane Ulrich, Jane Van Cleve, Stephanie von Thaden, Catherine Vonnegut, Kimmerly Webster, Carolee White, Laura Whitman, Robin Wiechers, Anne Williams, Susan Williams-Clark, Catherine Wilson, Emily Wu, Katherine Wurzburg, Suzanne Elizabeth Zaino, Abbott Laboratories Employee Giving Campaign, Adobe Systems Inc., Oracle Corporation, VISA

$1,000 - $2,499 Terri & Tom Bailard Carolyn & Preston Butcher Anne Clark Susan & Pat Coan Laura Conger Marti de Benedetti Gary & Jeffrey Dunker Jeanne & Frank Fischer Sharon Hasslen Kathryn Ladra Janet Littlefield Margaret London Elizabeth Lucchesi Connie & Bob Lurie Melinda Osterloh Marcia Rehmus Sarah & Carl Rosendahl Joan Sanders Pearl Anne Seipp Elizabeth Sippl Jane Stocklin Marianne Stoner Jeanne Ware Florina Xhabija Anna Zara & Robert English JLPA•MP Provisional Class

$200 - $499 Maryan Ackley Sharon Black Nanette Chapman Marilyn Cooper Rachel Crawford Martha Edwards & John Orcutt Katherine Engelmann Kristine Erving Cynthia Floyd Ann-Christel Graham Dana Griffin Jovita Honor Dana Horner Leannah Hunt Andrea Johnston Maureen Kennedy Jeanne Kennedy Rosemary Lanyon Marissa Levy Jean Limbach Mimi & Roger Menard Cynthia Miller Anita Ochieano Joy Baker Peacock Margaret Pringle Dianne Schilling Susan Seiler Shirley Stewart Lisa & Tom Tayeri Suzi Tinsley Amy Truel Helen Ungerman Nancy Wilson Stacey Wueste Davis

Did You Know? Last year, the Endowment Fund met 100% of its fundraising goal, raising nearly $70,000 in donations!

PIPER 2013 Fall

13

THE

$hop Interview conducted by Robin Hindery Enan, Piper Chair

Its simple name says it all—no further introduction required. Since opening its doors in downtown Menlo Park in 1970, The Shop has raised more than $4 million for the JLPA•MP through the sale of gently worn, good-quality merchandise, much of which comes from the homes and closets of League members. Piper sat down with Shop Manager Robbie Mellows, who has been there for nearly half of that time, for a behind-the-curtain look at this beloved League institution—and Mellows herself. (Aren’t you curious what treasures she’s managed to snag over the years?) Q: How long have you been with The Shop, and what were you doing prior? Robbie: I have been with The Shop for 19 years, and it has gone by quickly. Retail has been in my blood since the late ’70s. I’ve worked in candy stores, large chain stores, small boutiques and specialty shops. Once I completed my business degree, I worked for Page Boy Maternity out of their corporate office in Dallas. It was exciting to travel, hire and train new employees, open new stores, and handle the many details of a successful retail entity. In my spare time, I enjoyed antiquing and shopping in resale stores. Managing The Shop has been the perfect job for me, as it combines my years of retail experience and a passion for interesting things. Q: What kinds of items are the most popular right now? Has that stayed pretty consistent, or are you noticing a shift in what sells best? Robbie: Our best sellers have remained consistent over the years: designer clothing, shoes and handbags, as well as antiques and collectibles. We have quite a few antique dealers who come in to shop on a daily basis, and customers on a budget are always looking for nice shoes at an affordable price. Q: Some of our readers might be gearing up for a closet purge. What items do you need more of? Robbie: We are always in need of current, fashionable merchandise in excellent condition, such as clothing, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories. Customers LOVE accessories!

"Shop ladies" Kathy Gage, Asst. Mgr. Jane Van Cleve, Mgr. Robbie Mellows and Joanne Saxton Q: What happens to the items that don’t sell? Robbie: The Shop has two four-day sales events each year, in February and July. On the last day of the sale, everything is 85% off. The items that don’t sell at that price are bagged up and given to Ecumenical Hunger Project in East Palo Alto. These sales are a great way to purge and start fresh with a new season. Our End-of-Season sales are lots of fun and not to be missed! Q: Do you have any special events lined up in the coming months? Robbie: One fun event that we have planned is a Gold & Jewelry Event with Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry on Thursday, January 23, 2014. Last year, the team at SSFJ bought gold from League members and the general public, and The Shop received a portion of the total amount sold. It was a great fundraising success, so this year we are expanding the options to include gold, silver, platinum and fine jewelry. [Ed. Note: see the Calendar on page 7 for more details.] Q: You see most donations as they come through the back door. Of the items you’ve purchased from The Shop over the years, what’s your favorite? Robbie: I have found some amazing things over the years. One of my favorite purchases is a vintage, hand-painted, lacquered planter that now resides in my hallway. It is beautiful and I love looking at it every day. Q: What’s the best thing about working at The Shop? Robbie: I would have to say that the best thing about working at The Shop has been getting to know the ladies on my staff. They are truly amazing and committed women. Year after year, we fundraise for the League and enjoy every moment of it.

Did You Know? In 2012-2013, The Shop exceeded its fundraising goal by more than $40,000, bringing in $196,741 for the League!

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PIPER 2013 Fall

Shop Angels | 2012-2013 We’d like to thank these individuals, businesses and organizations for their generous support of The Shop last year. (Donations of $500 or more listed.)

$10,000+

$5,000 - $9,999

$2,500-$4,999

Susan Bechtel

Maryan Ackley

Afterwards-Bob & Katy Hanson

Alison Crane

Suzan Suer

Ellie Cronin

Brooks Brothers

Elaine Alquist

Filoli

Louise Tayan

Satomi Obuchi

Kathy Cronin

Mary Jane Armacost

Angela Grauel

John Walker

Sarah Rivers

Bren Leisure

Martha Bacon

Jacque Jarve

Barbara Warnock

Susan Martin

Melissa Badger

Anne Lawler

Kate Wendt

Betsy Matteson

Kathryn Beck

Elizabeth Lear

Jaynie Wentworth

Shirley Matteson

Susannah Bernhart

Cynthia Lovewell

Rose Ann Woolpert

C. Cassandra Miller

David Braker

Nancy Merwin

Cynthia Ann Yock

Nancy Mueller

Pamela Brandin

Gayle Rimerman

Alisa Young

Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry

Jeanne Chan

Carla Scheifly

Sally Young

Mary Linn Coldiron

Anne Steiner

Cynthia Zirpolo

$1,000-$2,499

$500-$999

Rahela Abbas, Elizabeth Andersen, Lori Arthur, Heather

Leah Allsebrook, Michelle Altick, Diane Armstrong , Tara Jane Arnold, Carissa Ashman, Nina

Asborno, Jennifer Baker, Liz Bellock, J. Duncan Benas,

Bailey, Heather Bauer, Debbie Benson, Lucy Berman, Monisha Bhutani, Gale Bitter, Alexia Bounds,

Katrina Berube, Sherry Bijan, Joy Blackburn, Joanne

Virginia Boyd, Tanya Brugh, Heidi Bullock, Clark Burnham, Kim Burnham, Heather Caelius, Loretta

Blokker, David Bowman, Kimberly Boyanowski, Lisa

Camarano, Janet Campbell, Evan Castelo, Lindsay Cazel, Naomi Chavez Peters, Alexia Clements,

Brandin, Jan Brennan, Kipley Bruketa, Philipa Caldwell,

Natalie Comartin, Robin Conci, Maureen Costello, Jana Crain, Suzanne Crocker, Cathy Danigelis,

Mary L. Carson, Courtney Charney, Susan Chung, Rozella

Caitlin Darke, Jacquelyn Denney, Valerie Dennis, Kathryn Dilg, Natalie Diller, Susan Dimick, Lani

Cole, Amy Daniher, M. Elizabeth Day, Margaret Day, Kelly

Dorff, Carol Duncan, Kholoud Elam, Robin Enan, Kathy Engelmann, Kristine Erving, Chandler

Dayton, Marti Debenedetti, Maureen del Santo, Ellen

Evans, Margaret Falk, Sally Falkenhagen, Geraldine Farber, Astrid Feith-Van Loenen, Meegan

Dempsey, Julie Dobson, Sherri Douville, Carrie Drake,

Ferrari, Suzanne Ferrari, Andrea Fish, Ruth Flammer, Emily Foley, Kim Forbes Trammel, Dulcy

Gloria Eddie, Martha Edwards, Karlene Elder, Kyla Eller,

Freeman, Pat Fuller, Megan Fung, Cathy Gage, Lydia Garcia, Thayer Gershon, Betsy Gifford, Caroline

Angela Espinosa, Elizabeth Evans, Wendy Forrester, Valerie

Gimbel, Ginger Glockner, Diane Gow, Suzanne Grey, Sharon Hamilton, Molly Hammerstrom, Alison

Frederickson, Mia Giannotti, Kathy Gilles, Maryann

& Diane Hart, Lauri Hart, Kimberly Hartz-Foster, Reo Haynes, Arlene Heiman, Jeanne Heise,

Gillespie, Dana Griffin, Mary Grundy, Miriam Haas, Julie

Peggy Hinman, Cynthia Hockey, Sara Hollister, Ashley Hollmig, Michelle Hostrup, Laurie Jarrett,

Hall, Jean Halloran, Mrs. A.A. Hampton, Marsha Hannay,

Ansley Jentz, Mary Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Caitlin Johnston, Janet Jorgenson, Peter Kane,

Head Over Heels, Stephanie Hewitt, Jan Hickman, Margot

Jeanne Kennedy, Tracie Kiachin, Sue Klaphole, Lynn Knudsen, Jacquetta Lannan, Annette Legallet,

Hirsch, Robin Hoff, Sara Jamison, Nancy Keith Kelly, Sarena

Cathy Lewis, Janet Littlefield, Sally Loudy, Kathryn Low, Nancy MacDonald, Marie Macy, Beth

Kim, Anne Klause, Julie Kleck, Kris Klint, Samantha Knox,

Martin, Lindsy Martin, Hilary McMahon, Rose Mein, Mrs. Richard Melbye, Michelle Melen, Anne

Darice Koo, Lori Krikorian, Caroline Labe’, Audrey Lampert,

Mellenthin, Kate Miller, Jackie Mitchell, Gail Moberg, Deborah Montgomery, Meredith Pellegrin,

Kathy Luchini, Jennifer MacEwen, Anne MacDonald,

Lori Nawn, Deborah Nelson, Beth O’Malley, Megan Olesek, Marty Olsen, Lynne Pasternack, Nancy

Cynthia Levin, Michelle Manning, Patty Martin, Peggy

Paxton, Polly Pine, Jill Prahm, Brenna Preston, Lorinda Reichert, William Reller, Lynne & Anton

Matsuda, Christina McClure, Teri McKelvy, Peggy Meagher,

Reynolds, Lisa Rimsa, Jean Ringe, Mary Robell, Mary Walsh Robinson, Sarah Rosendahl, Nancy

Robbie Mellows, Mary Ann Miotto, Edward Mitchell, Lee

Rosenthal, Ellie Ross, Margaret Rossi, Luanne Rotticci, Tara Roussel, Meredith Schneider, Shannon

Murphy, Marianne Palefsky, Joy Peacock, Pamela Perez,

Schnuck, Merrill Selig, Sheri Shenk, Janna Shennan, Christine Shih, Jennifer Skorlich, Joyce Smith,

Marlene Prendergast, Sigrid Puckett, Leslie Quist, Karen

Sandra Smith, Bonnie B. Smyth, Elaine Soo, Dawn Stansfield, Pam Stearns, Marianne Stoner,

Recht, Cindy Roble, Wendy Rohn, Mary Rudolph, Teni

Kathy Swart, Samantha Symonds, Megan Tang, Anne Taylor, Sylvia Thompson, Laurel Trask, Keri

Sarkisian, Carolyn Schmarzo, Renee Schott, Karen Sickel,

Tully, Libby Tyree-Taylor, Tracy Van Ligten, Lydia Varmazis, Jennifer Warren, Connie Weisman,

Liz Sippl, Valerie Soltau, Mr. Dan Stack, Stanford Medical

Sandra Welch, Linda Welch, Eleanor White, Laura Whitman, Stephanie Witlin, Liz Wood, Martha

Center, Ingrid Steinbergs, Jane Stocklin, Bonnie Street,

Woollomes, Jan Woolsey, Jessica Yansouni, Staci Zell

Katie Taft, Ginger Tanner, Lisa Tayeri, Dana Teixeira, Julie Terrell-Hooper, Jamey Thorson, Corinne & Steven Vario, Lisa Vestal, Gretchen Von Gustlin, Jere Whitaker, Cora Wiegand, Nancy Winton

PIPER 2013 Fall

15

Pros

SEASONED 

Kristine Erving Sustainer (Member since 1973)

League

Fundraising

$uperstars MAKING IT LOOK EASY By Robin Hindery Enan, Piper Chair

Successful fundraising takes passion and perseverance. Whether the goal is modest or massive, getting there demands hard work. The JLPA•MP is full of women who regularly embrace this challenge, both on behalf of the League and elsewhere in the community. Piper chose eight Active and Sustaining members who we feel are rising stars or seasoned pros when it comes to fundraising. We talked to them about their own experiences, their advice for fundraising newbies and how the League has helped them hone their skills. Read on to find out what it takes to be a fundraising superstar. (And don’t worry, most of them don’t find it easy to ask people for money!)

Kristine Erving

History with the JLPA•MP: Despite the way my community career turned out, I tried to avoid fundraising all along, starting with my League involvements. I focused on community projects and administration. (Erving is a past President of the JLPA•MP and is currently serving on the Endowment Fund Board.)

Advice for a fundraising novice: I still find asking people for money intimidating. I have always tried to get around the “ask” by creating events that raised funds rather than a straight ask. Of course, even with event fundraising, you have to make “asks,” and my best advice would be to know that you believe that your project/service/organization is a good “investment” of the donor’s funds and then to follow up constantly with reporting to that donor on the progress and results of their investment. Fundraising activities outside the League: At every organization I have been involved with I have been involved in fundraising. I also found myself fundraising in a professional capacity as the co-founder and co-director of The Health Library at Stanford University Hospital. In addition to capital campaigns, annual appeal campaigns, special event fundraisers and endowment campaigns, I have had the most fun and success creating fundraising events such as: Raise the Roofs for Peninsula Habitat for Humanity; Mad Hatter’s Tea and Where the Wild Things Are for Bring Me a Book®; and fundraising and building the Heritage Park Playground, a public/private partnership with the City of Palo Alto. Most meaningful fundraising experience: The fundraisers above have been my favorite, and I’m sure that’s because they were creative opportunities and because of the challenge of establishing a new event that would live on in a community loaded with fundraising events of every imaginable sort. Gunilla Follett Sustainer (Member since 1974) History with the JLPA•MP: I was involved in two seed projects that are now amazing organizations: Music for Minors (founded by Sustainer Emeritus Grace Johnston) and Pathways Home Health and Hospice. I am still very involved with both of them.

Gunilla Follett

The path to becoming a skilled fundraiser: I didn’t really have any fundraising experience coming into the League, and then I had to drop out after a few years when I was going through a 16

PIPER 2013 Fall

divorce. Where it all really started for me was through involvement in my children’s schools. After my divorce, I had a job as a salesperson at Xerox. That was a real step toward fundraising; you are talking to people, selling them a product or service. I think that’s where it really started. Most of my career since then has been as an event planner, and the events I do are for my community of Los Altos or organizations I’m passionate about. Advice for a fundraising novice: It really boils down to: you need to be passionate about what you’re asking for. The worst somebody can say is no, and if they say no, the one thing you have to do is take it off the personal level. It doesn’t mean that the seed hasn’t been planted and that you can’t come back to them again later. Any fundraiser has to overcome that fear that it’s going to be personal, because it’s not. Fundraising activities outside the League: I do a lot of fundraising for Pathways, and every year my husband and I host the VIP reception before their One from the Heart breakfast (held this year on October 10). I’m also on the board of Music for Minors and the foundation board at El Camino Hospital, and I’m actively involved with the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, including serving as president for a year. I chaired the Centennial Celebration for Los Altos and Los Altos Hills in 2011 and helped the Los Altos Community Foundation with its 20th-anniversary celebration that same year. Most meaningful fundraising experience: Music for Minors is probably the most exciting thing I’ve been involved with, because when we started out, once we were no longer a League project, we spent about 15 years really struggling for money and volunteer support. We thought, “My goodness, are we ever going to be able to keep this going?” Today, the program is teaching music to more than 17,000 students in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties! Mary Johnson Sustainer (member since 1991) Fundraising history with the JLPA•MP: I co-chaired the Holiday Boutique and chaired the 2000 Spring Gala. I also was on an ad hoc committee regarding fundraisers. For the last two years, I have been the Sustainer Advisor to the Fundraising VP. Mary Johnson Prior fundraising experience and lessons learned: Before joining the League, I sold medical hardware and software, so I came with a sales background. The one thing that I’ve learned is that the League is a wonderful place to “get your feet wet.” The League will teach you about areas that you are not familiar with, and will not let you fail. Advice for a fundraising novice: If you believe in an organization, it shouldn’t be intimidating. Don’t be scared to hear the word NO, and don’t feel you have to turn every NO into a YES because it doesn’t happen. But learn from each ask you make—both the good ones and the bad. Fundraising outside the League: I’ve co-chaired the One from the Heart breakfast benefiting Pathways Home Health and Hospice (which was once a JLPA•MP project) several times, and

I was chair of the 25th Anniversary of Vintage Affaire, which benefits Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I have also worked for years on the Menlo Charity Horse Show. I have been chair of the Children’s Health Council (CHC) Summer Symphony and at the present time I’m chairing CHC’s Oktoberfest fundraiser, which was held October 12. Personal experience or lesson that stands out: One thing that has been very meaningful to me is the number of League members that have followed me into other non-League committees and nonprofits. It has to be one of the most rewarding feelings knowing that people want to learn from and work with me. As Rahela Abbas likes to say, “No one can say no to Mary!” Jane Stocklin Sustainer (Member since 1977) Fundraising history with the JLPA•MP: Currently the Advisor to the Endowment Fund Board. Helped lead the Campaign for the Future II effort, which pushed the Endowment Fund over $2.5 million by raising more than $1 million in additional donations between 2006 and 2010.

Jane Stocklin

Fundraising lessons learned: During my Active years, I never served on a fundraiser. But you learn “The League Way,” whatever your placement. Gather a good group around you, be inclusive, brainstorm thinking big, do your research, be thorough, set your goals, stay focused, stay on your timeline, work hard, and don’t give up until the end. Then celebrate and reflect on what you learned for the next time. The most important thing I have learned about fundraising is you have to have fire in your belly and really believe in what you are doing. If you have absorbed the reasoning and facts underlying your task, and have passion and believe in the importance of the cause, it is not difficult to ask. A person can only say yes if you ask. If they say no, you can’t take it personally. Advice for a fundraising novice: Be intuitive, think about what reasoning would appeal to your aurdience and prepare your materials accordingly. Personal conversations are always worth it. They take time, but they are an investment in your own understanding about what obstacles are in the way for someone to embrace your cause. It is also essential to understand why people donate or participate. Through this understanding, you can detail your message and your materials. Good writing and good graphics are essential! Keep educating and communicating your reasoning and your passion for the effort. If you are in a leadership position for a fundraiser, keep the troops charged up. Think of the race between the hare and the turtle. In fundraising, you have to have the turtle mentality: steady and never losing sight of the end result, being clever, intuitive and positive along the way. Turtles like this don’t lose! Personal experience or lesson that stands out: When I was working on the League’s Endowment Campaign, after a lunch with one of our biggest prospects, I came home and was just checking my email. In my SPAM folder was a pledge for one of the biggest gifts to the campaign from that person. The lesson here: always check your SPAM! PIPER 2013 Fall

17

Stars

California. I also worked on the planning team for a luncheon to support Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital last year where I was able to learn more about event planning and fundraising.

RISING 

Personal experience or lesson that stands out: Caitlin: While we have been fortunate to have received several unexpected and generous donations to this year’s Home Tour, I have benefited most from the women who have agreed to be on the Home Tour Committee year after year. We have become like a family while raising money for the League, and we get to have fun while making a difference in our community.

Katherine Glass

Caitlin Hyatt

Katherine: After getting a lot of rejections, it can sometimes be surprising when someone offers a really big donation or underwriting support. As we’ve been securing partners for Home Tour this year, it’s been really fun to see how some of the donors are truly thrilled to get to be part of the event, and in turn, to get to support the community.

Katherine Glass & Caitlin Hyatt ACTIVES (Members since 2004 and 2006, respectively) 2013-2014 Home Tour Co-Chairs Fundraising history with the JLPA•MP: Caitlin: This is my third year on the Home Tour Committee. Last year, I was the Logistics Assistant Chair. Prior to the Home Tour, I was on The Shop Committee. Katherine: This is my second year on the Home Tour Committee. Last year, I was part of the partnerships team, so it’s a bit of a leap to now be co-chairing the event. But I’m thrilled to get to play such a big role. Prior fundraising experience and lessons learned: Caitlin: My mother has been involved in fundraising for many organizations and I was able to learn through her experiences. The League has offered many opportunities for training to develop those fundraising skills. Katherine: Years ago, I was part of the leadership team of a nonprofit in New York City that helped tutor and prepare at-risk high school students with job skills training. As part of that committee, we planned the annual fundraiser, a fashion show and party, and I led the charge on gathering raffle auction items for that. The training sessions offered throughout my time in the League have really refined my skill set and made me so much more comfortable with reaching out to the community. Advice for a fundraising novice: Caitlin: Start where you are comfortable: your hairdresser, dry cleaner or favorite restaurant. Figure out how their support best fits the League and explain what an impact their donations have within the community. Once you have a few “asks” under your belt, it is easier to reach out to a broader audience. Katherine: Always remember, the worst thing that can happen is someone says no, and then he or she will be the one to feel bad about turning down such a worthy group! Fundraising activities outside the League: Caitlin: I started volunteering with one of my mother’s organizations when I was 6 and continued with various projects until I moved to

18

PIPER 2013 Fall

Kim Burnham

Jennifer Cooper

Kim Burnham & Jennifer Cooper ACTIVES (Both members since 2009) 2013-2014 Shop Co-Chairs Fundraising history with the JLPA•MP: Jen: I served on one of the 2010-2011 Home Tour sub-committees, and solicited companies for underwriting and advertisements. Kim: My first Active placement was with The Shop. I loved it so much I did it again the next year. I probably would have done it again last year had (2012-2013 Provisional Committee Chair) Jacquetta Lannan not asked me to be a Provisional mentor. The Shop has always been a passion of mine because a) I like to shop, and b) it’s an easy fundraiser to do. I find it very relatable and it pretty much runs itself because Robbie Mellows is so fantastic. So you just get to build upon that momentum. Prior fundraising experience and lessons learned: Jen: Prior to joining the League, I was much more familiar with being asked to contribute funds or providing in-kind donations; I was not necessarily familiar with doing the asking. The League has provided me with opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and start asking for donations. The League serves as a microcosm of the Peninsula. Usually, a League member knows someone you may want to approach in the community for an “ask.” As we all know, the League is a fabulous network, you just have to take advantage of it!

Kim: My background is mostly business development and marketing. The whole thought of fundraising terrified me. I attended a training by (President-Elect) Jan Hickman, who taught me that fundraising is a skill set. The most important thing is to be prepared. It’s not just about picking up the phone and calling; it’s about prepping for the call, the call itself and the follow-up. When you’re asking for something for the League, you’re representing the League. Advice for a fundraising novice: Jen: Be prepared. Know the ins and outs of the League, or any organization for which you trying to generate revenue. It’s important to be smart about the organization you represent, as well as the company you solicit. Why would a company want to give your organization money if you don’t know or can’t explain how it’s spent or distributed to the community? You’d by surprised how much the private sector willingly contributes to nonprofit organizations – it’s good for their bottom line, too. I believe companies often want to give to organizations that help the local community because it allows a company to have a sense of involvement, and it’s good public relations. I have also found that folks you speak with at companies are usually involved in nonprofit organizations themselves, and that those nonprofits may be eligible for grants from the League that they don’t even know exist. Overall, it’s an educational opportunity. Kim: First, don’t take “no” personally. Sometimes the timing’s not right, or the person or company doesn’t have what you need. Just because they’re saying no to the ask, it’s not a personal thing. Second, practice. If your cousin owns a wine shop or your dad owns a grocery store, get comfortable by asking the people in your network. Think outside of the

box but do it within your comfort level, and then push your comfort level a little further. Third, always look for that opportunity for an ask. You never know when a situation might come up and there could be hidden opportunities when you’re just talking to somebody about something else. It can come up in a really non-focused way, but if you’re prepared and you know your spiel, it comes almost naturally. Fundraising activities outside the League: Jen: I have had opportunities to pitch ideas that generate attention and attract other participants that in turn “pay to play”. While I was working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, the agency created a program to reduce diesel emissions – think of the black puff of exhaust from a school bus or garbage truck. I was one of a handful of folks responsible for getting other government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private sector companies to contribute financially to the program and also promote the retrofit of equipment to clean up the buses and trucks, not to mention the air quality, throughout the Pacific Northwest. As the program gained more recognition, companies and organizations approached the agency about getting involved and donating funds. Kim: I’m about to start fundraising for myself, actually. I have my own startup, so I’m going to have to start asking strangers—venture capital firms—for money. Through the League, I have developed the skill set I need for my own company. I’ve asked, and people have said no to me, and I’ve learned not to take it personally. The skills we learn in the League can translate into real-life situations.

PIPER 2013 Fall

19

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1

Tickets on sale Oct. 21

CHILDREN’S PARTIES ON DEC. 7

Photo by Marge Mitchell

Friday evening, November 29 - Saturday, December 7, 2013

9/3/13 8:53 AM

MEMBER NEWS An Unbridled Success

Menlo Charity Horse Show Dating back to 1970, the Menlo Charity Horse Show is one of the finest professional/ amateur equestrian events in the United States, and is unique in that its origin and legacy are centered on philanthropy. This year’s show, held in August at the Menlo Circus Club, was inspiring and exciting to watch, and included an outstanding selection of vendors on site to tempt attendees in a fun and family-friendly setting. Founded by Betsy Glikbarg, a longtime Junior League Sustainer, the show has raised nearly $6 million over the past four decades to support Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Headed by League Sustainer Pam Brandin, Vista Center is the premier resource for individuals with vision loss in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. The center helps clients reach their highest potential through programs that promote independence and improve quality of life. Today, Menlo Charity Horse Show is a six-day event attracting many of the most accomplished riders in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. It is also a five-time recipient of the NorCal Horse Show of the Year Award. Joining the Menlo Charity Horse Show team in 2006, I was honored to chair the Friday Night Gala Auction for several years, and now serve on Vista Center’s board. Through the years, the horse show volunteer team has included a number of JLPA•MP Actives and Sustainers, and this year was no exception. The 2013 volunteer committee included League members Carissa Ashman, Nacole Barth-Ellis, Meaux Costello, Carrie Drake, Sara Hollister, Susan Martin, Nicole Neal, Vanessa Roach and Tara Roussel, among others. For information, visit www.menlohorseshow.com or www.vistacenter.org. — Catherine Carlton, Membership Development VP PHOTOS (clockwise from the top): Sustainer Susan Martin with Sustainer and Horse Show Founder Betsy Glikbarg. League member Carissa Ashman, who directed PR and communications for the Horse Show, with Sustainer Sherri Douville, who represented event sponsor Tory Burch, as well as Sherri’s husband, Art. League members Sara Hollister, Jovita Honor, Vanessa Roach and Meaux Costello. League Sustainer Carrie Drake and Doug Dull.

Little Leaguers

Email a photo and details of your latest "edition" to [email protected].

Neetu Tolaney and her husband,

Suzanne Francisco and her

Neil, are happy to announce

husband, Daniel, welcomed

the birth of Hunter Sean Tolaney

Hannah Danielle Francisco

on June 19, 2013. Hunter arrived

on August 16, 2013, weighing

at Lucile Packard Children’s

6 lbs, 10 oz. and measuring

Hospital weighing 7 lbs, 12 oz. and

19 inches long.

measuring 19 inches long.

PIPER 2013 Fall

21

Ring the Bell Fund

School Fire Safety Ignites Sustainer’s Passion My New Red Shoes

Putting Their Best Foot Forward After hearing My New Red Shoes founder (and former League member) Heather Hopkins speak at one of last year’s General Membership Meetings, Sustainer Angela Espinosa and Active Zara Fritts were inspired to get more involved in her organization, which provides Bay Area homeless and low-income children with a $50 clothing gift card and a new pair of shoes before the start of the school year. When their good friend Calla Griffith, the League’s Fundraising VP and a MNRS board member, reached out to the women about joining MNRS’s 2013 Fashion Show Steering Committee, they jumped at the opportunity. The annual event took place September 29 at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. Espinosa and Fritts also joined the nonprofit’s Red Shoes Society, a group of community-minded women who host local events to support the MNRS mission. On June 9, they did just that, putting on a Sunday brunch and shoe drive for their friends from Hillsborough and Burlingame (including Sustainer Melinda Osterloh). Guests at the event had the chance to meet with Hopkins and learn about the many ways to support MNRS, which served more than 4,200 local school-aged children last year. What’s more, “we collected 38 pairs of new shoes, which will provide local homeless children with confidence for their first day of school!” says Fritts, whose daughters Keaton and Tatum pitched in as well. For more information, visit www.mynewredshoes.org. L to R: My New Red Shoes development manager Milena Miyashiro with event organizer and League Sustainer Angela Espinosa, event organizer and League member Zara Fritts and My New Red Shoes founder Heather Hopkins.

In Memoriam Mary Kearns Piersol, League Sustainer Emeritus September 20, 1921 - June 20, 2013 A member of the JLPA•MP since 1947, Mary lived in Atherton for 50 years and dedicated herself to her family, church and community. Our condolences are extended to Mary’s daughters, Sustainers Mary Coffron and Kathryn Gould, as well as their siblings and children, on their loss.

22

PIPER 2013 Fall

Fire drills are commonplace at California schools, but when it comes to other aspects of fire safety, such as automatic sprinklers and monitored fire alarms, many schools—including nearly half of the public school districts in San Mateo County—are lacking. What’s more, current state law doesn’t require such precautions. That unsettling reality prompted League Sustainer Virginia Chang Kiraly and her husband, Ken, to found Ring The Bell Fund, which aims to provide much-needed funds for all California schools to install sprinklers and connect their fire alarm systems with their associated fire departments or fire districts. “Like me, I think many parents assume that school fire alarms are connected to a first responder,” says Kiraly, director of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and president of the Fund. “As a former PTA President and Chair of the League’s Survive Alive House project, I began thinking that educating children about fire safety wasn’t enough, especially when a first responder might not have any idea that there is an emergency.” The Menlo Park-based nonprofit launched in May, less than eight months after a fire at Menlo Park’s Beechwood School. Despite being located just one mile from the closest fire station, the school’s fire alarm was not connected to the local fire protection district. The Fund already has received a $20,000 challenge grant from Facebook and was granted tax-exempt/nonprofit status from the IRS in August. “During this waiting period, I have looked for grant opportunities and potential donors and partners to help us fulfill our mission in the most cost-effective and expedient way possible,” Kiraly reports. “It’s a huge task, and our board has been creative, resourceful and caring as we figure out how to tackle this enormous problem within our immediate community and, eventually, statewide.” For more information, visit www.ringthebellfund.org. ABOVE (L to R): Stephanie Chuang of NBC Bay Area News; League Sustainer and Ring The Bell Fund president and founder Virginia Chang Kiraly; and Fund board member Tom Wirth, the facilities manager at Facebook, gather at Facebook headquarters for the nonprofit’s launch in May.

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