Meet Our Award Winners!

Kathie Sheehy
Donor relations specialist
Bill Wilson Center (Santa Clara, Calif.)
www.billwilsoncenter.org

Organization’s mission: To support and strengthen the community by serving youths and families through counseling, housing, education and advocacy. BWC serves more than 10,000 clients in Santa Clara County annually.
Annual operating budget: $10 million
How much raised annually: $231,626
Role models: Barbara Zahner, former executive director of San Jose, Calif.-based Sacred Heart Community Service, who demonstrated that developing strong relationships with donors is the best way to assure continued financial support.
Why did you choose fundraising as a career: To feel I’m making a difference in the lives of others.
Greatest fundraising challenges: Staying “up” so I always sound enthusiastic and ready to listen when talking with others about BWC. The donations just seem to come when people feel they can help make a difference.
Challenges facing fundraisers in general: To let donors and prospects feel assured that donations will be utilized in an efficient way.
Keys to success (in fundraising): Building and maintaining relationships with donors, prospects and others in the community.
Keys to success (in life): Laughing often.
Fundraising accomplishment of which you are most proud: Getting a pledge for $10,000 a year for 10 years at my first ask visit.
How would co-workers describe you: “She’s always on the phone!”
Personal philosophy: My greatest satisfaction comes when I see I’ve motivated others to help those around them.