Some good news has just arrived to warm the chill in the air. While some naysayers have claimed that virtual events were just wishful projects, other fundraising types were bound and determined to make the fundraisers successful for their non-profits.
One of those home runs was the St. Philips School and Community Center’s virtual Destiny Award Luncheon on Friday, March 26, featuring keynoter Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson and honoring North Texas’ own radio legend/author/philanthropist Tom Joyner with the Mona and David Munson Humanitarian Award.
Luncheon Co-Chair Lisa Cooley reported that the hopeful goal had been $350,000.
According to Lisa, “For over seven decades, St. Philip’s School and Community Center has been a beacon of light, hope and transformation in South Dallas. This is why we proudly support St. Philip’s — because they change lives. St. Philip’s provides an exception education for children from PreK2 —6th grade and numerous social services to their South Dallas neighbors. Their food pantry, affectionately known as Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry, operates much like a grocery store and serves over 750 households, 1,750 individuals and distributes over 7000,00 pounds of food annually. This has been such a needed blessing this year for those suffering from food insecurity due to the challenges of COVID-19.”
As proof of St. Philip’s track record, 100% of its students graduate with 90% attending college and earning their bachelor’s degree.
Inspired by the St. Philip’s creed**, Lisa, Co-Chair Clay Cooley and committee members like Fredye Factor netted … not just raised but netted … a whopping $477,019 to “ensure the quality and quantity of St. Philip’s dynamic programs continue for another 75 years.”
Lesson-to-be-learned: If you’re working on a virtual or hybrid fundraiser, aim for the moon but shoot for the stars.
* Graphic/photo courtesy of St. Philip's School and Community Center ** Look at me. I am more than what you see. Destiny is mine! If it is to be, it's up to me. Society will condemn, but only I determine my path. My people have suffered and died for my chance to read and do math. Just as sacrifices were made to make my future bright, It is my responsibility to do things that are right. I must start today to pave the way. The community and the world need my contributions. In success, I will not stray. The bias, the rumors, nor the stereotypes will hinder my growth; I claim dignity and prosperity. My God promises both. Look at me! I am sharp, empowered, talented and proud without limit. I will use my education to explore new heights. The sky is the limit, if I just put my mind in it. When I say, "stick it out," I don't mean a hand. I will persevere to play my role in God's omniscient plan. I will live by "put ups, not put downs" for my sister and my brother. I care for you; I respect you. If I don't, why should another? Success is my right - failure my option. I have the voice. The consequences I will accept, for I made the choice. Look at me! Great things lie ahead. Judge me not by what you've been told, But by what's in my head.