Last Look: Gerry Brisson, vice president for development, Gleaners

Most importantly, however, is that even in “purely fundraising” efforts, the greatest joy has little to do with the “funds” and everything to do with getting to know people and experiencing those relationships.

FS Can you describe a recent successful fundraising effort?

GB: Probably the most important fundraising success in the last two years has been with our board of directors. One hundred percent of them are giving. They have more than doubled their personal giving. And many of them are reaching out in new ways to ask others to join our work. They have also approved the funding needed for our rapid expansion effort so that we can meet the emergency food demands of our community. Solid support at the center, in my experience, is the key to all other fundraising success.