2 Cool 2 Fail Fundraising Campaign Background

2cool2fail - Becoming IndependentMessage from CEO Cami Weaver

In June, our newly reconfigured Fund Development Committee asked me "What's our need? How much do we need to raise, and why?"

Here's what I told them:

For the first time in our 40-year history, we're seriously vulnerable.

Up until the current economic downturn, Becoming Independent and organizations like us serving people with disabilities were in the fortunate position of having a steady, reliable stream of income from the State of California.

This is no longer the case.

(For details about the impact on BI and our sister organizations throughout the state, view the Facts Sheet put together by the California Disability Services Association.)

So here's what the committee and I concluded:

We can continue to die a death by a thousand cuts
OR
We can put our shoulders back, band together, and raise the money we need to make sure that this precious community resource thrives now and into the future.

Clearly, we've landed on option #2. Our programs, staff and the 1,300 men, women and children BI serves, their friends, families and neighbors and the community at large, are simply too important to let down. Failure is not an option.

After I gave the committee all of the facts and we added up the numbers, we saw that our annual shortfall is likely to be well over $1.9 million.

"Why don't we just call it a Cool Two?" suggested BI Board member Scott Ormerod.

And we all agreed - We're 2 Cool to Fail

So we're going to raise a Cool $2 million before the end of 2012.

If you're already part of Becoming Independent, you know that we're a community of determined individuals – people who see a challenge and rise to the occasion. It won't surprise you that we've developed an audacious goal and that we intend to succeed.

If you're not yet a part of Becoming Independent, join us! We're already having fun working together to raise our Cool $2M and in the days ahead you'll learn more about a variety of ways you can become involved. We have something for everyone.

The quickest way to get involved – to say "Yes! Together we can ensure that Becoming Independent is here for the long haul" – is to make a donation today.

Whether it's $2, $20, $200, $2,000, or more, you'll be part of something truly extraordinary.

Together we are absolutely 2 Cool 2 Fail.

In gratitude,

 

Cami

P.S. – For your 2 Cool campaign gear, contact Angela Grech at agrech@becomingindependent.org or (707) 524-6635

Make a financial contribution.

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