THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY
IN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION
Agenda
Wednesday, May 6, 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Meadowlands Chamber Business Hub
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Workshop Kickoff
Elisse Glennon, Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Welcome to the workshop! During this brief opening session, we’ll introduce the workshop’s purpose, key objectives, and what participants can expect from the sessions ahead.
From Workshop to Workplace: What We Popped into Practice
Jordan Beamer, Development Coordinator, Donate Life America
Casey Watkins, Engagement and Development Director, Donate Life America
What happens after the workshop ends? In this session, participants from last year’s POP workshop will share how they translated ideas and strategies from POP 2025 into real-world action within their organizations. Speakers will highlight key takeaways they implemented and reflect on what worked, what they learned along the way, and the impact on their teams and missions. This session offers practical inspiration and peer-to-peer insights, helping attendees see how the concepts explored during the workshop can be successfully applied back in the workplace.
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Blockbuster Bashes: Maximizing Your Events to Support Your Mission
Shelley Snyder, Executive Director, Donate Life Kentucky Trust
Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation
Events can do far more than bring people together – they can powerfully advance your organization’s mission. This session explores how to design and leverage events to support fundraising, education, awareness, donor registry growth, family support, and hospital relationships, while identifying opportunities to add meaningful fundraising and mission impact at every stage of the event cycle. The session will also touch on the benefits and challenges of third-party events, managing volunteers and committees, event planning support tools, and unique event ideas.
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Building Sustainable Revenue Streams Beyond the Bash
Tony Kelly, Partner & Director of Financial Planning, King Financial Network
Emily Kibling, Director, Community Development, Indiana Donor Network
Theresa Shubeck, Lead Consultant, Elisse Glennon Consulting
A.J. Vignola, Partner & Director of Advisory Integration, King Financial Network
Special events can be powerful entry points for supporters – but long-term sustainability comes from cultivating deeper and more diverse giving. This session will explore strategies for turning event participants into long-term contributors through recurring gifts, major gifts, planned giving, bequests, and other individual giving streams. Panelists will discuss trends in charitable giving and the increasing importance of trust and transparency in building and growing philanthropy.
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
POP-Up Reception
Continue the conversations from the sessions and enjoy connecting with each other over drinks and appetizers in the lovely Meadowlands Chamber Business Hub lobby!
Thursday, May 7, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Meadowlands Chamber Business Hub
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Opening Remarks
Elisse Glennon, Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Getting Your Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Credential
Caitlyn Bernabucci, Director, Community Affairs & Development, New England Donor Services
Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation
Earning the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is a meaningful step for fundraising professionals looking to strengthen their expertise and advance their careers. In this session, speakers will share the why, when, and how of pursuing CFRE certification – from understanding the value of the credential to determining the right time in your career to apply. Participants will learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, study strategies, and practical tips for preparing for the exam.
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Tech Tools: 😊😖🤯😡🤬 and “Why Are we Using This!?”
Emily Kibling, Director of Community Development, Indiana Donor Network
Eneida Perez, Data and Communication, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Technology can be one of the most powerful – or most infuriating – parts of nonprofit work. This interactive session will explore practical tools that help teams work smarter and how to effectively use these tech tools to streamline your work, strengthen contributor relationships, and achieve your fundraising and engagement goals. Speakers will discuss the range of CRM platforms – from the premium “Cadillac” of systems to less glitzy free options – and the pros, cons, and real-world experiences organizations have with each. Participants will also dive into practical strategies such as segmenting donor/contributor lists for targeted outreach and leveraging emerging tools like AI.
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Working as One: Building a Culture of Philanthropy Across Your Organization
Donna Albanese-DeMair, Dairy Queen Owner, Philanthropist, and former board chair for the Sharing Network Foundation
Laura Hughes, Consultant, Liaison and Advocate, and Reeves-Reed Arboretum board member
Theresa Shubeck, Lead Consultant, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Creating a thriving culture of philanthropy requires more than a development team – it takes the engagement and commitment of staff, leadership, and board members across the entire organization. Speakers will share strategies for engaging staff in meaningful goal-setting and achievement, as well as practical approaches to recruiting, onboarding, and supporting board members and committees. Participants will also hear perspectives from experienced board leaders about navigating organizational growth and culture change.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Lunch Break
12:45 pm - 2:15 pm
Legacy of Love: Philanthropy as a Pathway to Healing
Shannon Adkins, Philanthropy Director & Donor Mom, Donate Life Kentucky Trust
Caitlyn Bernabucci, Director, Community Affairs and Development, New England Donor Services
Madeline Gaudreau, Founder & Co-President, The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation
Carolynn O’Brien, Founder & Creative Director, The Graphics Connection and Board Member & Marketing Director, The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation
Philanthropy can be a powerful pathway for families navigating grief, offering meaningful ways to honor loved ones while supporting lifesaving missions. This session will explore how organizations can thoughtfully engage families in philanthropic opportunities while remaining sensitive to their healing journeys. Speakers will discuss how philanthropy can support the grieving process and offer real-life perspectives from those who have turned loss into purpose. Participants will also explore ways events and community initiatives can create supportive spaces for families.
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Ask the Expert: Healthcare Law & Philanthropy
Christina Strong, Partner, Dilworth Paxson LLP
Navigating the legal and structural aspects of philanthropy can be complex, particularly for organizations working within healthcare systems. This session will provide an opportunity to learn key considerations related to foundations, governance, and fundraising activities. Participants will gain insights into common challenges and opportunities with operating foundations, as well as obtain legal best practices and practical guidance for strengthening their philanthropic efforts.
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Keynote by Melanie Curtis: Dare to Access Your Untapped Potential
Melanie Curtis, Keynote Speaker, World Record Pro Skydiver & Peak Performance Coach
What if accessing your massive untapped potential was simpler – and more exciting – than you thought? In this mind-opening and entertaining session, world record pro skydiver and peak performance coach, Melanie Curtis, will help you learn the science behind goals that actually motivate you. You’ll discover the three things most people don’t realize are blocking their potential, the three things that amplify results in all areas of our lives and tap into the type of ‘fun’ that leads to next-level success. Through science, story and decisive reflection, you will leave with literally energizing clarity to expand your vision, direct actions to lean into your ambitions through what’s been holding you back and be challenged into a bolder, repeatable approach for your continued growth and expansion the moment you leave the room.
5:00 pm
Wrap-up & Group Picture
Elisse Glennon, Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Friday, May 8, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meadowlands Chamber Business Hub
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Opening Remarks
Elisse Glennon, Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Evolving Engagement & Impact: Transitioning a Donor Family Council to Formal Foundation
Beth Cameron, Manager of Donor Family Services, Southern Legacy of Life
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Philanthropy and structured engagement can play a critical role in sustaining donor family involvement and advancing mission-driven impact. This session explores the evolution of the Arkansas Donor Family Council into a formal foundation in partnership with Southern Legacy of Life. The speaker will share the council’s history, successes, and challenges – including navigating diverse perspectives among donor families and recipients and aligning priorities. Participants will also gain insight into how an OPO can effectively support and collaborate with a separate nonprofit while maintaining strong mission alignment.
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9:15 am - 10:30 am
How to Make Your Communication Pieces POP!
Strong communication is essential to engaging contributors, inspiring action, and advancing your mission. In this hands-on session, participants will explore what makes fundraising and outreach materials truly effective and compelling – from annual appeals and impact reports to sponsorship packages, social media posts, and email campaigns.
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Mystery Pop: One Final Kernel of Wisdom
This closing session will address themes that emerged over the past two days and topics that resonated most with participants. Whether it’s a deeper dive into fundraising strategy, goal-setting, board engagement, communication, or another pressing challenge, this session will provide one final opportunity to spark discussion, share insights, and send participants home with a meaningful “kernel of wisdom” they can apply to their work.
11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Workshop Closing
Elisse Glennon, Founder & Principal, Elisse Glennon Consulting
Enjoy the Meadowlands and safe travels home!
*Schedule subject to change.