Here are the efforts our judges chose as the best of 2006 in the FS 2007 Gold Awards for Fundraising Excellence.

By Abny Santicola and Margaret Battistelli

These images convey beyond words City Harvest’s mission and the importance of the call to action in the reply: to not let “another child go to bed hungry this holiday season.”

The mailing doesn’t include a letter, but the thank-you card serves as a fitting replacement during the holiday season. The inside of the card features the illustration used on the outer envelope, except here the food in the bowl is brought to life with color. Three paragraphs of copy describe City Harvest’s client population — working families, seniors, children — and thank recipients for their kindness and support. The thank-you card ends with the following lasered signature: The Board and staff of City Harvest. It’s not handwritten, but it adds just the right personal touch to an appeal that’s already incredibly moving.