“Building Your Future...This Year, Every Year”

“Building Your Future” - eEdNews

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to You and Your Family. 

 

2006 has been a very good year for the Phi Chi Theta Educational Foundation, and has given us a strong base on which to “Build Your Future”.  Some of the highlights from the past year include:

 

· Awarding $4,000 worth of scholarships to members of Phi Chi Theta;

· Increasing the outreach to our donor base through electronic newsletters, targeted mailings, a redesigned web site, and a brand new professional brochure;

· Adding three new and enthusiastic Board members; and

· Executing several new and unique fundraisers.

 

In this issue, you’ll learn about one of our Unique Fundraisers that Mary Ellen Lewis, Treasurer planned and coordinated single-handedly.  We’ll also share 10 Simple and Inexpensive Fundraising Ideas that you can do to raise money for the Foundation.  Finally, you’ll “Get to Know” Silivia Picon, one of our new Board members.

 

Our success this year is because of your continued support and participation in the Foundation and its programs.  We invite you to continue to share in our success in the future as well, whether it is by donating a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation, filling out a scholarship application or participating in some other local Foundation-sponsored event in the months ahead. As we look forward to an even stronger 2007, we wish you a happy, safe holiday season and wonderful prospects for 2007.

Happy Holidays!

Volume 1, Issue 3, Dec. 2006

Phi Chi Theta Educational Foundation
Text Box: Looking for a Tax Break? Consider Making an End Of Year Donation to the Phi Chi Theta Educational Foundation. Time is running out. Make your tax-deductible contribution by: December 31st Text Box: The Reviews Are In… Here’s What People Are Saying About the New eEdNews “Loved it! How exciting! Keep up the good work!” — Lynnette Lemke, St. Louis Alumni Chapter “Good Newsletter!” — Kim Gary, Past Nat’l President What Do You Think? Let us know at FoundatioInfo@phichitheta.org

The Macy’s Charity Day Event—October 2006

A Unique Fundraiser

 

“No inventory to stock...No shipping, postage...No “sizes” to order”

 

AND …. YOU get to keep 100% of the sale price for the item!  It’s true!

 

Mary Ellen Lewis, Treasurer and Scholarship Chair found the following in a Denver newspaper.  

 

“If you are a nonprofit organization in the Denver area, we’d like to help you raise money by helping us celebrate the grand opening of the new Macy's NorthField at Stapleton store.   We invite you to participate in our Preview Charity shopping day – a day-long event-filled with special discounts, events, entertainment, prizes and fun for the whole family – on October 10.”

 

How does it work? As a participating nonprofit organization, you’ll be selling $10 tickets in advance of the event.  You keep 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales.  Ticket holders will have access to special storewide discounts on October 10.

 

Who can participate? We’re looking for nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) status.  

 

How can you sign up? To find out if your nonprofit organization qualifies, to request more information or to get an application packet, please contact Macy’s Preview Charity Shopping Day coordinator, via e-mail.  We look forward to hearing from you.

 

MACY’S WAY TO SHOP

 

To make a long story short, Mary Ellen took advantage of this unique fundraising opportunity.  She filled out an application form and provided proof of the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) status.  Once approved, she immediately sent out e-mails to all of her Denver friends and family members to buy tickets to this special event.  At the Macy’s kick-off breakfast she received 100 tickets, which she sold for $10 each, earning $1,000 for the Foundation. 

 

What an easy way to earn $1,000 for the Foundation.  Just think how many tickets a chapter could sell if this fundraiser should come to your town?  Other major department stores across the country sponsor similar Charity Days.  Reach out to your local retailers and see what type of similar program they may offer.  For instance, in Illinois, Carson Pirie and Scott has the same program.  If anyone needs help in filling out an application for this type of fundraiser, please contact Mary Ellen Lewis for more information.

 

— Mary Ellen Lewis
Text Box: Coming in February 2007 “Get to Know Us” - An Interview with Silvia Picon—Part 2 Phi Chi Theta Cruise Tips from the Pros on Filling Out the Scholarship Application

“Get to Know Us” - An Interview with Silvia Picon, Trustee—Part 1

Silvia Picon, a new Trustee who joined the Board in August and is chair of our Fundraising programs recently sat down with Frances Spencer, Secretary for an interview about her own Phi Chi Theta and professional experiences and what she hopes to gain and contribute to the Foundation as a board member.  Here is part 1 of the interview. 

 

Fran: What do you feel was the most important advice you ever received regarding your career, and who gave it to you?

 

Silvia: To "like what you are doing". This advice was given to me by many older sisters from my undergraduate chapter, who have been working for a couple of years.  I believe this advice to be most important because if one does not like what they are doing then his or her efficiency, productivity, quality of work, and state of being will be effected.  Currently I enjoy what I do and this makes me work hard, produce high level work, and enjoy my time at work.

 

Fran: How did your major in college relate to your present position?

 

Silvia: As an economics major I was able to understand business at a fundamental level.  All businesses, whether in finance, food services, arts, etc., boil down to one concept; supply and demand. Currently my finance position lets me utilize the fundamentals of economics in order to structure deals that are in demand and satisfy both the bank I work for and the client.

 

Fran: If you could give one serious piece of advice to collegiate members, what would it be?

 

Silvia: I would suggest that all collegiate members have/get a mentor.  Mentors are great resources of information and expertise. They can be your guide to the working world, and can teach you how to network. Everyone should have a mentor, and it is never too late to find one.

 

Fran: Although you like your present position and career path, if you could be "anyone you wanted to be' what would you do in the future?

 

Silvia: I would be the world's great humanitarian. There are millions and millions of less fortunate people out there and those fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads, have good health, and have enough to support themselves and family, should all give back to those less fortunate. Helping others is something I strive to do on an everyday basis, and hopefully in the future I am able to do this on a larger scale.

 

Fran: What personal relationships have had the most influence on your life?

 

Silvia: The relationship with my parents has had the most influence on my life.  I strive everyday to make them happy and proud of what I have become and the person that I strive to be.  They have given me everything I ever wanted and in most cases opportunities that they never had growing up. My parents are my strength, and will always be there for me no matter what path I decide to take in life.

 

Fran: How do you think PCT members can best help the Foundation meet its goals?

 

Silvia: PCT members can best help the foundation meet its goals by doing simple everyday things, such as, donating the cost of one Starbuck’s cup of coffee, or donating loose change obtained at the end of a day, or by simply letting someone know what the Foundation is all about.

 

“Get to Know” More About Silvia Picon

in the February 2007 issue of eEdNews

 

— Frances Spencer
Text Box: 10 Simple & Inexpensive Ways to Raise Money One less Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Smoothie, etc. a week.  Take that weekly savings ($3.50-5.00/week) and donate it to the Foundation. Loose Change. Take all of that loose change from your pockets, under the sofa, and in your coin jars at home. Count it up and donate the money to the Foundation. Dining Out. Save the receipts and add up the tax paid on the receipt, round to the next dollar, and send it to the Foundation. Frequent Buyer Cards. Same as Dining Out. Save the receipt and add up the amounts of the “Today you saved $...”, round to next dollar, and send it to the Foundation. Monthly calendar. Designate a “task” for each day – 1¢ for each window in your house; 5¢ for each door; 10¢ for each clock, etc.  Total it up at the end of month, and send the Foundation a check for that amount. Personal Outreach to “Friends and Family” asking them to make a donation to your favorite charity and beloved organization. “In memory of…” or “In Celebration of…” donations. What better way to commemorate the memory and/or celebrate the achievements (i.e., graduation, wedding, birth) of a loved one. Bake Sale. For those who love to bake. Sell baked goods at work/school and have all proceeds go to the Foundation. Company Match. Check with your employer and see if they match donations to non-profits. Garage Sale. Make a New Year’s resolution to de-clutter your life.