Success and support project a giant impression

Among my messages, when I was playing them back yesterday, was a very cranky one from a man saying "This is the second time I've called. Don't you people ever answer your phones?" In the same batch was a woman requesting we "send out one of (our) people".
It just goes to prove that "fake it till you make it" works. I guess all our fundraising activities and amazing support from the Bay Of Plenty Times leads people to believe we are a large organisation.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Although legally a not-for-profit foundation is entitled to take a percentage from funds raised to cover their costs, to date we have not needed to do so. The Bay Health Foundation trustees are committed to keeping administration costs separate from the project monies.
For this reason we have managed with one person in the CEO role (an acronym for Cover Every Opportunity) for nearly two years. It wasn't until recently that we appointed a part-time office assistant, the lovely Karen Wallace, who works three days a week. When either of us needs to be out, we turn everything over to the answering machine.
So, in response to those two callers - who I might add were very understanding - I explained "you people" is just me. And despite the first caller's complaint, (I had responded, but spoke to another committee member), I usually manage to get back to people within a few hours. Every project, campaign, or product has a use-by date and while you are hot it is important to keep the pressure on and stay focused on the outcome.
Believe me, the celebration party when this is all over will make the Guinness Book of Records, and for all of us involved, the simple fact that we did it will be ample reward.
So how do we manage? How do you raise more than a million dollars without spending a cent? First of all, while I am running this campaign, it doesn't pay to be my friend as you can be sure you will be called on - regularly. I do an enormous amount of crawling over broken glass on my hands and knees to persuade people to do things for me, and obviously that gambit works as no one has said "No".
So the answer is: you rely (heavily) on supporters Friends of the Foundation, who seek no accolades but continue to assist behind the scenes with pro bono advice, goods and services, and volunteer time when needed; and on a small group who send us a monthly cheque made out to our administration account. These are our unsung heroes. The people who enable me to get on with the more important role of raising funds for our current campaign Project Hope without having to worry where the next dollar is coming from.
My hero list: Ray White Real Estate; Kale Print; Wood Walton; Stars Travel; Monitech; Necta Café; Graeme and Shirley Inglis; Robbie Neilson of Staples Rodway; our donation box collectors: Ann Johnson, Lorraine Gardner, Dennis Dolman and Noel Scott. Remember, this is just the list of people regularly contributing to the administration side of our operation. The list of those who contribute regularly to our project account is just as long and just as valued.
Special thanks this week to an anonymous person who sent a cheque for $10,000 to the Bay Times. This type of encouragement is a real boost and we are touched by the fact they ask no recognition. Whoever you are, my deepest gratitude.
FUNDRAISERS:
Threads of Hope book: $12. Pens: $2. CDs: $9.95 from BHF office, ph 571 1631.
Crown & Badger: Every Wednesday 5% of takings donated to Project Hope. Since commencing at the end of April they are up to $4529.
Miss Universe Tauranga Pageant: October 8, Baycourt, ph Gavin Comber 544 6296.
Te Puke Motorcycle Club Celebrity Rides: October 9, ph Paul Singleton 573 6547.
Gareth Morgan seminar: 5.30pm, October 19, Holy Trinity Church, $15; tickets at the door.
* Lynette Davies is the Bay Health Foundation chief executive.