|
1991/2 |
George Brakeley, Jr. and Jack Schwartz envision a Fairfield County chapter
of National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE), which became what
is now known as the Association of Fundraising Professionals. They gather
together a small group of fundraising professionals in the Fairfield
County area to brainstorm starting a chapter. Both George and Jack are
sensitive to Development Association of Southern CT (DASC), an existing
organization, and include members from that organization on the planning
committee. Planning committee members included: William Austin, Mary
Franco, Kim Hawkins, Doug Krofina, Barbie McKelvey, Georgianne Phipps, and
Michael Valentine, as well as George and Jack. |
|
1993 |
In
July, the Board of Directors of NSFRE grants an official charter to new
Fairfield County Chapter. George Brakeley, Jr. becomes president.
|
|
1993 |
Fairfield County Chapter (FCC) begins with breakfast meetings, held at the
Landmark Club in Stamford. All area development professionals are invited
to attend. Attendance begins slowly as colleagues learn about the chapter
and its benefits. |
|
1994 |
Meetings are moved to Marriot Hotel in Stamford and changed to luncheons.
Attendance at meetings grows and membership in FCC increases. |
|
1995 |
Kim Hawkins becomes president after founder George Brakeley steps down. |
|
1995 |
FCC sets aside money for a scholarship fund for NSFRE national conference
(Chamberlain Scholarship) and CT Philanthropy Day, which are presented
annually to individual(s), generally new in the field, whose organization
is has a small budget without training funds. |
|
1996 |
FCC becomes a Metro II Chapter with over 50 members. |
|
1996 |
Chapter meetings continue as luncheons and move to a more central
location: Giovanni’s II in Darien. |
|
1998 |
FCC hires an administrator, Marianne Hickey, to assist with growing
administrative duties. |
|
1998 |
FCC begins partnership with CT Chapter: the two chapters work jointly on
annual CT Philanthropy Day conference. |
|
1998-2005 |
Membership roster swells from 92 to over 164. |
|
2001 |
In
January, National Society of Fundraising Executives changes its name to
Association of Fundraising Professionals. |
|
2001 |
FCC offers Survey Course and CFRE examination in October at Norwalk
Community College. |
|
2001 |
As
membership expands and more colleagues come from locations throughout
Fairfield County, the Board struggles to find a central, affordable
location. Chapter meetings moved to The Peppermill, in Westport. |
|
2001 |
In
order to highlight more intensely our valued philanthropic individuals,
corporations, foundations and youth philanthropy awards are removed from
CT Philanthropy Day conference and are presented at a separate event.
Organization of Philanthropy Awards luncheon is shared by both FCC and CT
chapters. |
|
2002, continuing until 2007 |
FCC receives the prestigious 10-star award from AFP International, which
recognizes the chapter’s efforts to increase professionalism within
fundraising and public awareness of the role of philanthropy in society.
President Steve Jakab attributes the AFP Award to the chapter’s
educational activities, diversity initiatives, and professional
certification programs. |
|
2002 |
FCC wins the prestigious Gail Freeman Award for strongest Metro II
participation in the Every Member Campaign. |
|
2002 |
FCC hosts first Philanthropy Forum at Fairfield University in December.
Paulette Maehara, President & CEO of AFP, Patrick Rooney of the Indiana
Center on Philanthropy and Hank Goldstein of the Oram Group discuss
current trends in the industry. Ms. Maehara attends Chapter meeting to
follow and congratulates FCC on winning the prestigious Gail Freeman Award
for strongest Metro II participation in the Every Member Campaign. |
|
2002 – 2006 |
Attendance at luncheons soars with the majority attracting well over 60
professionals. The record attendance is 102, set in June 2004.
|
|
2003 |
DASC merges with FCC. One board seat is reserved for a former DASC member
and DASC members are offered discount membership to FCC. With that
merger, DASC gives FCC significant funds to be used for educational
programs and workshops. |
|
2003 - 2007 |
FCC offers scholarship to CT Philanthropy Day, in addition to the AFP
annual conference. |
|
2003 |
Founders George Brakeley and Jack Schwartz are given emeritus status.
|
|
2003 |
FCC becomes a Metro III chapter with 150 members. |
|
2003 and continuing until 2007 |
FCC offers audio conferences at various locations. These prove highly
successful as measured by attendance, particularly for those professionals
with smaller shops. In 2006 and 2007 these conferences are offered on a
monthly basis. |
|
2004 |
FCC hosts Second Philanthropy Forum at Fairfield University in March.
Bill Shore, author of The Cathedral Within, is the featured
speaker. |
|
2004 – 2005 |
George Brakeley donates his significant library of fundraising books to
the Chapter. With his approval, the Chapter donates his books along with
others recommended by AFP International to Greater Bridgeport Area
Foundation’s Resource Center to establish an AFP affiliate library there. |
|
2005 and 2007 |
FCC hosts the CFRE course and examination. |
|
2006-2007 |
FCC designs a comprehensive 3-year
strategic plan. Implementation will begin in
2008. |
|
2007 |
Chapter meetings moved to Quattro Pazzi in Norwalk. |
