Several fundraisers working behind-the-scenes for Catholic organizations in the diocese came together on Friday, July 24. The gathering was a first of its kind.
To the outside observer, the event might seem counter-cultural.
The group of development and advancement officers, associates and directors didn’t vie for money or try to steal each other’s donors. They simply united for a common cause: learning how to best raise and steward money for Christ.
The gathering was hosted by Buckeye Catholic campus ministry at Columbus St. Thomas More, the Catholic student center located near Ohio State University campus.
Catholic fundraisers spent more than an hour learning from and supporting each another.
“We feel like this diocese is really special; it has a lot to give,” said John Michael Adelman, an advancement associate at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, who helped organize the event.
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“We’re trying to really deliver and help those who are in this work of advancing and developing – serving all the different parishes, nonprofits and organizations here – to better serve our diocese. We want this to be a space of encouragement, inspiration and support.
“We’re in such an amazing diocese, such an amazing bishop, so many wonderful initiatives and things happening – let’s get some people together,” he said of the idea for the gathering.
Local organizations included Buckeye Catholic ministry at St. Thomas More, the Josephinum, Greater Columbus Right to Life, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers, Damascus Catholic Mission Campus, St. Gabriel Radio, Saint Paul’s Outreach, Catholic Social Services, St. Charles Preparatory School and diocesan parishes. Catholic fundraisers from Ohio State University also participated.
“We casted the net really wide,” said Hanna Horstman, director of advancement for Buckeye Catholic. “I would say we had 30 accept the invite.”
The event included a Biblical reflection from the Old Testment. Fundraisers reflected on the story of David’s offerings for the temple, recorded in 1 Chronicles 29: 1-20. David blessed the Lord for his ability to give freely.
Attendees discussed the passage’s influence on their work.
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“You have a goal for a year, hopefully you’re hitting it, but then as soon as the year is over, you go back to zero,” Horstman explained of work in advancement.
“Fundraisers typically last 18 months in their career, so how can we be supportive to each other? All the funds that we raise are God’s money, and we’re just the stewards of them.”
Catholic and faith-based organizations often encounter similar challenges. The group of fundraisers spent time brainstorming solutions and learning how others approach difficulties in the field.
“Doesn’t matter who you’re working for, what you’re doing – if you’re a devoted Catholic, we all have the same boss at the end of the day, and that’s God,” Adelman said. “We want to serve, honor and glorify Him as best we can.”