Raising Funds and Raising Friends

As I continue discussing Reach around The District of Columbia, I have been given the opportunity to learn about all the exciting work going on in this city.  In the coming weeks, I hope to have the opportunity to meet with the Founder and Executive Director of A Wider Circle.  He started this organization, and I imagine he will have much to teach me regarding the start-up process.  Additionally, through a friend of Reach, Inc., we may have the opportunity to learn about Community Wealth Ventures and The Points of Light Foundation from individuals that either are or were involved in these organizations.  It will be exciting to look at ways to create partnerships that may lead to a stronger base of financial support.

Additionally, this week, Reach, Inc. benefitted from our first corporate partnership.  Friday, August 21st, was "Jeans Day" at all of Gibbons Law's offices all over the east coast.  Employees are given the opportunity to wear jeans if they donate $5 to the chosen charity.  This month, that charity was Reach, Inc.  Last month, the beneficiary received $725, so we eagerly await word about the results of this month's fundraiser.

Finally, at a wedding this weekend, I learned of a fundraising technique that we might be able to utilize during these tough economic times.  Many are struggling right now, and they often feel that they can not afford to support charities as much as they might have previously.  One way to make an impact with funds is to create a giving circle.  You can create a larger impact by recruiting other donors for an important cause.  While you, individually, may only be able to give $25, imagine if you recruited 39 others to do the same.  Then your entire giving circle, recognized as a collective, will be recognized for providing a gift of $1,000.  If interested in receiving support to create a giving circle, please contact me at mark@reachincorporated.org.

Of special note today is our new website.  Thanks to the hard work of Brian Hecker, Reach's website has been redesigned.  This new professional look will allow Reach, Inc. to effectively represent our plans and goals to those that become interested moving forward.  You can now read the blog on the organization's main site, and please check the website often to learn about the latest news about Reach's progress.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Mark

Founder and President - Reach, Inc.