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Gratitude on the Mind

by Development Assistant
Valerie Moore

Thanksgiving is later this week, and like many of you I have gratitude on the mind. I am starting week number seven as the new Development Assistant for the Elks National Foundation. I feel grateful to have chosen to work in the nonprofit sector as this is one small way to improve my corner of the world. The ENF believes in building stronger communities which matches with my personal values so well.

The desire to work for a nonprofit took me to Chicago in 2005 to enroll in a master’s degree program geared towards making the performing arts end of the sector better. As luck would have it, my courses taught me how to make all ends better. It taught me how to create functional organizations that also happen to be values-driven.

I started working in development in 2007 with the intention to stay. The recession had other plans, and I spent some time in the special events end of fundraising, planning six galas, and creating other platforms for stewarding donors.

Life has a funny way of coming full circle. While temping for the Community Investments Program, I learned that there was an open position in development, and jumped at the opportunity to return to working with donors. Planning fundraising events may have led to being well fed, but left me feeling starved to get to know those people that fund what we do.

I feel grateful to have the opportunity to work with donors once again and especially for the Elks National Foundation. I have enjoyed hearing people’s stories and the pride that they take in their Lodge’s work.

Please continue to share your successes, challenges, changes of address, and any other donation questions.

How can I help? Please call 773/755-4762.

Or email ValerieM@elks.org.

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  1. Jim OKelleyNovember 25, 2015 at 10:38 AM

    When opportunity knocked, we're so glad you answered, Valerie.

    ReplyDelete

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