Communityraiser

It's no secret that fundraising is not a particularly sought after job, per-say. The wonderful truth for me is that, most days, I actually don't think of it as fundraising in the sense that many people may dread when they hear that word. I honestly do consider it as a channel to connect with people. And, I LOVE connecting with people, connecting people with people, and with things that matter in a society of so much triviality--triviality from which I know I need constant, daily rescue. As I witness the impact made in African communities through the generosity of folks here, it is, quite frankly, a connection so powerful it makes the term "fundraising" seem trivial to me.

At Blood:Water, we talk a lot about community. It is one of our core values. That is precisely what I seek through fundraising, community. I'm seeking to connect us with each other and with our brothers and sisters in Africa--our amazingly talented, joyful, capable, smart African neighbors, whom we get to walk alongside and help as they develop their own communities towards health and hope. I'm seeking to keep our generous donors connected to the work they enable each day in these communities. I'm seeking community and connection. And so, I see fundraising as a ministry, a passion--today's calling for me.

I am encouraged by these words from the beloved priest, author and professor Henri Nouwen:

"Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God's Kingdom."- H. Nouwen

I hope you won't be scared of me because, well yes, I am a fundraiser by trade these days. So, of course, I would love for you to join us as a Community:Builder and donate monthly so that we can continue working towards sustainable health solutions in Africa. In fact, I invite you to do that. But, ultimately, it's about community, and that, my friends, is why I am here.