The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas promotes equality and raises awareness of the personal and financial contributions of gays and lesbians to the City of Dallas. By offering meaningful philanthropic and giving opportunities, GLFD distinguishes the gay community as a major source of philanthropy. GLFD boosts the power of gay philanthropy by consolidating and distributing charitable contributions to non-profit agencies that serve the entire Dallas community. With every donation given by GLFD to non-profit agencies, GLFD ensures that the agencies do not discriminate in their hiring and employment practices and highlights that recipient agencies value diversity. 

 

We have had many excellent speakers this year but Laura Fredricks's workshop and luncheon programs based on the updated version of her book, The Ask, ranked as one of our best. As we were leaving, one member observed, "She makes sense and knows how to boil down her message to a few clear and concise pointers, I really learned something today."  I couldn't agree more! 
 
This year, many of our members have found themselves "in transition," sometimes on short notice, and looking for a new position in what continues to be a challenging economy. Laura reminded her audience that to be an effective fundraiser, you must 1) like yourself, 2) like what you are doing, 3) like where you are doing it, 4) and like who you are doing it with, i.e. your co-workers, volunteers and manager. To assist our members who are looking or considering a new placement, we are offering a career-skills workshop at the offices of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth on October 8th, conducted by Linc Eldredge and his team at Brigham Hill Consultancy. For more information go to www.afpdallas.org and scroll down to find registration information.
 
Laura made many good points but I was especially struck by her recognition that a small percentage of volunteers do most of the heavy-lifting. Rather than being discouraged that some are less involved, we need to treasure those who give so much to our organizations. In just a few weeks, we will do exactly this. National Philanthropy Day celebrates six honorees whose generosity and commitment benefit our citizens and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on our community. Diana Marquis and her hard-working committee are organizing an event to remember and I hope that you will not only consider attending, but will also take the opportunity to invite your volunteers, colleagues and donors to attend and pay tribute to our honorees. 
 
Luanne Samuel, who chaired this year's nominating committee, will be announcing the slate of Chapter officers and directors for 2011 later this month, and we will vote on the slate in December at our annual holiday luncheon. I am confident you will agree with me that we'll have an outstanding team to lead our Chapter next year.
 
Last week, many of you answered my appeal for your support for AFP Now, our Chapter's annual campaign. With just two months to go, we aspire to raise $12,000. As you have read, these funds will give our Chapter additional and much-needed resources to initiate new educational opportunities, offer scholarships and maintain current Chapter services. 
 
I look forward to seeing you soon.