What does it take to be a successful fundraiser in the non-profit world?
Is it all about who you know? big corporate sponsorships? grants?
This weekend I found out that less than 10% of non-profit funds actually come from grant dollars and corp sponsorship. So what does that tell us? The majority of funds come from people you know in your community.
I am learning that fundraising is about sharing stories, building culture, developing ambassadors for your cause, transferring belief and enthusiasm, gaining trust and buy-in, giving insight, sharing vision and WHY people’s dollars and resources truly make a difference and change lives. I am so thankful to be fundraising for my family’s non-profit, First Base Foundation. We use sports as a vehicle to build character and give young people a chance to realize their dreams in higher education and professional sports. It personally felt great to give just $50 to FBF because that money directly helped 1 kid get a new baseball glove and have the time of his life this summer playing ball. I’m looking to help not just 1 but 10 kids get new equipment this year!

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Learned some fun facts about the relevance of social media in your business. Technology is growing faster and faster these days and if you are not up to speed you will get left behind. According to most recent statistics- how many videos would you guess the average American watches per month?? So far, I have heard anywhere from 50-250. The lucky number is… 175. AMAZING! Makes you think about how most of us spend our day…online, facebook, youtube, tweeting, pinning, etc. What does this fun fact mean for businesses and marketing? It’s all about videos. Everyone has a story to share. What’s yours? Youtube has changed the way information is delivered to the masses. We can all upload and share. Check out my new commercial reel on home page and my favorite videos on pinterest.

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“Jolieba is a young Lisa Bonet meets Mimi from Rent at Harvard Law School.”

  “Hip middle school dance teacher/stylish creative professional (23-29 years old)”

  “Upbeat. Bohemian. Warm. Intelligent. Determined. Curious.”

I have an insatiable thirst for learning and exploring. I am an outdoor enthusiast and dog lover. I  have traveled through the Himalayas, Amalfi Coast, Gore Island, Havana, and  Salvador Bahia. You may  run into me at Tibetan meditation class, camping in Big Sur, enjoying a Stevie Wonder concert, or in a business entrepreneur class. I am competitive and achievement oriented. I enjoy karaoke and hot air balloon rides with my boyfriend. I advocate for peace and justice, and write compelling grants for my family’s foundation, which helps at risk youth go to college.

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My first visit with Nini was an emotional life changing event. I had no idea what I was getting into. I just thought I was there to clear up a skin irritation. Little did I know this would be the beginning of a journey in discovering deeper into myself. After a few short questions and studying my face, tongue, and pulse, Nini was able to see into me and tell me specific facts and aspects about myself that were true. Interesting enough, I had never really talked about these things or addressed them before. I was unaware and she was able to  point out my blind spots to get to the core root of a problem, conflict, and disharmony. We are complex beings and our physical, spiritual, and emotional self create an entire universe inward and outward.

About 3 months ago a girlfriend of mine recommended I try acupuncture and herbs because I had been complaining about skin problems. You know the feeling of thinking you have tried everything, invested way too much money, and nothing will work? Well, that was me  so I was closed off to her recommendation at first, but when she shared her personal experience and the remarkable success she had with acupuncture, I figured it could maybe work for me too.

After visiting Nini, my new awareness was seeing my current reality and the compounding effects of 20 years of nightmares. One of my success coaches, Mr. David Byrd says: “Awareness leads to change.” I was sold on the method, when I heard a comforting voice say, “there are always solutions to the problem.” So true. It’s like a math equation. It may take some trials but you can plug in formulas and solve for x or y. What I love about Chinese medicine is its holistic approach to treatment. It’s not about isolating x or y, rather it’s about finding the relationship between the two. It’s about preventive rather than reactive. It’s about restoring harmony and function in the body. I also found out that problems are great opportunities for growth!  Over the course of our treatment sessions and daily herbs, my body responded very well. I felt warmer in temperature, calmer heart, and overall stronger and more energized. I also regained my will power and determination!  After 2 months of acupuncture and herbs, the painful nightmares are gone, I have gorgeous, radiant skin, and I feel the healthiest and strongest I have been for a while.

Healing is an ongoing process. Emotions, events, and environment effect the body and can manifest into disharmonies and ailments.  I share my story for anyone that can relate and to show there are great alternatives to western medicine and pharmaceutical drugs. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be powerful proactive tools to heal and restore balance.

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