AFP CEO Paulette Maehara's Take on Convio's 2010 Holiday Giving Survey Findings

"People are aware of the economy and the economic impact that it's had on those individuals who are less fortunate than themselves," says Paulette Maehara, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. "So the economy is a major concern to them, but it's also a concern as it relates to the impact on others less fortunate. At this time of year, people tend to be very emotional in their giving. So when you look around and you see, you read and you hear in news reports that the need has grown significantly in food banks and in social-services organizations around the U.S. and the world, it's hard not to be emotional about it and to be concerned."