Meetings and Events


Every month, AFP WNC features opportunities for learning, professional growth, networking and peer recognition. For ten months out of the year, the monthly event is a learning and networking luncheon. During the other two months, we host major events. July is the time for our annual Philanthropy Institute, and in November the chapter hosts the National Philanthropy Day awards ceremony.

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You may also use our convenient online registration feature to register for AFP WNC events.
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Please RSVP for lunch by the Monday prior to the meeting. Please e-mail Membership VP Ashley Vandewart at Ashley@wildsouth.org with the following information:

  • Number of member/non-member RSVPs;
  • Names of attenders; and
  • Meeting you will attend (March, April, etc.).

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AFP WNC Chapter
June Luncheon Program

The Fine Art of Donor Appreciation: Priceless
Presenters: Tami Ruckman, Jim Lowder and Susan Harris

The strategic importance of gift stewardship is one critical element in any successful development department.  Programs that place a premium on strengthening relationships with donors seek personalized ways to say thank you beyond prompt delivery of gift receipts, hand-written notes and phone calls. 

By exercising good listening skills and/or researching a donor’s interests, fundraisers for organizations of any size can find ways to customize an appreciation gesture. Often, there is very little monetary cost, a vital consideration in the current economy.  Saying thank you never goes out of style.  Saying it with flair is priceless.  Panel members will describe ways they’ve found to say “thank you” that were both meaningful and relevant to the donor. 

Panel Members

Tami Ruckman, director of development at the YWCA, returned home to Buncombe County after living in Louisville, Kentucky, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work and worked as a grant writer for two non-profits.   Before taking her current position at the YWCA three years ago, she worked at the Presbyterian Home for Children. 

Susan Harris, major and annual gifts manager at The North Carolina Arboretum, moved into the region from Pennsylvania where she was development associate at Tyler Arboretum.  She coordinated a capital campaign for the Arboretum prior to moving into her current position. 

Jim Lowder, director of development for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, moved to Asheville from San Francisco where he was the executive director of Habitat for Humanity there.  Drawing upon his background as a Baptist minister, he served as interim executive director of Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America when he first moved here.  

Date: June 17, 2009
Networking:    11:45 am
Luncheon:    12:00 pm

Location:  DoubleTree Biltmore - 115 Hendersonville Road

Cost with RSVP: $12 members/$17 non-members    
Without RSVP: $15 members/$20 non-members

RSVP to Ashley Vandewart at ashley@wildsouth.org.

You must RSVP by Friday, June 12 to receive the regular pricing.  If you RSVP and do not attend you will be invoiced.


 


The chapter meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 11:45 – 1:30.

(Dates and times vary in July for the Philanthropy Institute and November for National Philanthropy Day.)

Snow Policy

AFP-WNC operates on the Asheville City Schools schedule. If school is in, we will meet as normal. If school is canceled, our meeting will also be canceled.