The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center held it's quarterly community breakfast in the Center's community room on Saturday, February 6, 2010. This breakfast's theme was "Honoring Our LGBT Vets" and featured an informational presentation and discussion on Veteran issues.

A delicious breakfast buffet was provided by Chef Shel of Haute Dish Personal Chef Service with a menu including egg torte (both vegetarian and chicken varieties), creole shrimp and grits, fresh berries, red-eye gravy and biscuits and fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

Presenters for the event were Ellen Kozel from "Vets Do Ask, Do Tell"and Rick Benoit from "Vets Journey Home". The presentation included an informational video of the services that "Vets Journey Home" provides (Vets Journey Home is a unique weekend program for veterans, designed to help heal the emotional wounds of military service) and anecdotes from both relating to their military service and their return to civilian life. Once again we would like to thank everyone who helped make this an enjoyable event. Please check our website for information on our next community breakfast.

2010 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Drag Ball

The 2010 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Drag Ball will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 7:00PM in the UW-Milwaukee Union Ballroom.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union is located at 2200 East Kenwood Boulevard, Milwaukee WI between Stowell Avenue on the east and Maryland Avenue on the west, on the east side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Paid parking ($1.25/hour [cash only]) is located underneath the Union and entered on the north side of Kenwood Boulevard. The Ballroom is located on the 1st Floor of the Union. You can view the map here: http://www.aux.uwm.edu/Union/union_map.html

Cost: It's free to get into the show. Proceeds raised will go to benefit Project Q.

Project Q is the Youth Program of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Project Q provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their straight allies ages 24 and under. The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is a community-based organization represented by more than 150 volunteers and over 300 members. It's mission is to improve the quality of life for LGBT people in the Metro Milwaukee area.

COME OUT, TIP THE PERFORMERS, PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS, AND HAVE FUN!!!

Give/Get Strategies for Successful Board Fund Raising
Maggi Cage, PhD Executive Director

Like most nonprofit organizations these days we have experienced declining levels of giving over the past couple of years. This has led many nonprofit leaders to work with their governing boards to develop strategies for bringing in more support for the organization. Over the past two years we worked with our board to develop various strategies that include both giving money and getting other types of donations or leveraging influence. Being as creative as possible has allowed our board members to set stretch Give/Get goals and reach those goals. Our board members are people who work in the professions of education, social services, law enforcement, legal, banking, consulting, food, and personal care. They are everyday people dedicated to the mission of the Center and advancing equality for Milwaukee’s LGBT community. Based on our Board Engagement Activities Guidelines, board members have several methods for raising significant funds. It isn’t anything new, but it requires persistence and dedication to your goal.

This past year the eight board members of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center raised $23,430, which was nearly as much as our 2008/2009 United Way allocation. These dedicated board members took advantage of several strategies for raising money and they were persistent. Here are a few of the simple ways we help our board support the organization:

1. Host a House Party.

Board members create a list of friends, family and neighbors, select a date and provide the refreshments. The staff creates invitations, mails them out, makes follow-up phone calls just before the event, and provides a short program about the Center, making an appeal for memberships and donations. The potential goal is $300 (6 memberships @ $50 each) or $400 (6 memberships plus four $25 donations).

2. Solicit Items for Online Auctions.

Board members solicit businesses, friends and other sources for auction items and provide contributors with donation forms that can be completed and sent to the Director of Philanthropy. Staff members then follow up with donors, provide tax credit letters, pick up the items, enter the item on the online auction space, monitor the site, and deliver items to the highest bidders. The potential goal is $1500 (auction items valued – winning bid is credit to board member’s goal).

3. Host/Sell One to Three Tables at an Event.

Board members invite co-workers, friends, family, and business associates to purchase a ticket to attend the event. Staff provides invitations, mailing, registration, and follow-up phone calls to the list of invitees. The potential goal is $600 (1 table of eight at the early bird special rate of $75 per seat) or $800 (1 table of eight at the standard rate of $100 per seat).

4. Engage with an Annual Fundraising Appeal .

Board member provides names and addresses of friends and family to be solicited during our spring and/or yearend appeal. They also conduct follow-up phone calls as directed. Staff provide appeal letters, mailing, tracking and progress reports to board member, thank-you letter to donors, and recognition in our annual report. The potential goal is $500 (10 gifts of $50) or $1,000(10 gifts of $100).

5. Work with Philanthropy Department to Engage Corporate Sponsors.

Board members identify business relationships and contacts. They are willing to meet with the potential corporate sponsor along with a staff member, and endorse a corporate sponsorship. Staff provide scheduling of meeting, materials, lunch, follow-up calls, and recognition in materials, reports and on our website. The potential goal is $1,000 (1 corporate membership at $1000 level), $2,000 (2 corporate memberships at $1000 level), and $5,000 (1 corporate membership at $5,000 level).

6. Make a Personal Contribution.

Board members determine their personal level of giving. $750 individual contribution

7. Identify Prospects for Major Gifts

Board member identifies personal relationships and contacts and is willing to meet with the potential donor along with staff to endorse a major gift. Major Gifts may be multi-year pledges. Staff provides scheduling of meeting, materials, lunch, follow-up calls, and recognition in materials, reports and on our website. Board members then assist with continued donor cultivation.

It All Adds UP!

$300 - (6 memberships @ $50 each)

$500 – ($1500 spring auction items valued – if 30% received of value)

$600 - (1 event table of eight at early bird special rate of $75 per ticket)

$150 - ($500 fall auction items valued – if 30% received of value)

$500 - (10 year-end appeal gifts of $50 apiece)

$1,000 - (1 corporate membership at $1000 level)

$750 – personal contribution

$3,800

The goal increases if a board member brings in a major gift.


February 2010	Center Connection Newsletter Vol.1, Issue 2
In This Issue CyberCenter "Refresh" Community Breakfast Cupids Arrow UWM Drag Ball Successful Board Fund Raising Center Staff Maggi Cage, Ph.D Executive Director Dave Martin Operations Manager Julie A. Bock, MSSW, LCSW Director of Programs Jay Botsford Program Coordinator III - Youth/Transgender Johnny King Program Coordinator I-HIV Patrick Price Director of Philanthropy Randy Talley Data-Entry Specialist Rachel Coles Program Coordinator II Youth Jacqueline Lindo, MS, ATR Program Coordinator II AVP Brion Collins Program Coordinator II Communications Claudia Kabler-Babbitt, CCRC Program Coordinator III Breast Health Board of Directors Sue Haertel Co-President Ed Kupka Co-President Sheldon Walker Secretary Peter Larson Treasurer Joan Jacobs Geoffrey Trotier Daniel Klingler Mary Hoerig Thank you to our Sponsors! Follow us on FACEBOOK	THE DAVID BOHNETT FOUNDATION AWARDS ‘REFRESH’ GRANTS TOTALLING $500,000 TO DAVID BOHNETT CYBERCENTERS NATIONWIDE (January 29, 2010 - Beverly Hills, CA) The David Bohnett Foundation announced today grants totaling $500,000 to David Bohnett CyberCenters across the United States. In establishing the CyberCenters, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist David Bohnett’s vision was to provide LGBT communities with a “wired” hub through which its members could network, communicate, and explore educational, professional and recreational opportunities. To keep the CyberCenters up-to-date, in 2004, the “refresh” program was started, where each CyberCenter is supplied with brand new state-of-the-art equipment on a consistent basis (approximately every three to four years). In 2010, the Foundation is funding refresh grants to 24 locations throughout the United States. “The Centers provide a safe environment for members of the LGBT community — from youth who may find themselves without a support system—to seniors, who may have little or no familiarity with computers," said Michael Fleming, Executive Director for the Bohnett Foundation. "In today’s increasingly Internet-driven world, the David Bohnett CyberCenters have proven to be a lifeline for people of all ages. We are happy to provide regular ‘refresh’ grants enabling groups to keep pace with the many advances in computer hardware and software.” Locations included in the 2010 refresh program are Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Duke University, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Long Island, Milwaukee, Orange County, St Petersburg, San Jose, Seattle, Tampa, Tulsa, Salt Lake City, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside, University of Pennsylvania, University of Utah, and Washington, D.C. Equipment upgrades include Lenovo all-in-one A70z PC customized bundle with Microsoft Office software, Windows Pro 7 - 19” Widescreen Monitors in addition to Document 510 Flatbed Scanners and IBM Infoprint color laser printers. "The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is thrilled and appreciative to be provided with this opportunity to update our CyberCenter," says Dave Martin, operations Manager for the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, "this will provide our CyberCenter users with the tools many of them need to stay connected in a comfortable and safe space thanks to The David Bohnett Foundation." “Imagine, in 2010, being without a computer—basic activities including job searches, applications for services, educational opportunities and email contact with family and friends would be nearly impossible,” said Paul Moore, Program Manager at the Foundation, who oversees the CyberCenter program. “The David Bohnett CyberCenters fill that void by providing free computer access, Internet and learning opportunities. The CyberCenters are typically equipped with 5-10 computer stations loaded with a broad range of updated programs and software for business and personal computing. The CyberCenters also offer community education and training on best Internet practices, online security, and general computer usage.” The very first David Bohnett CyberCenter opened its doors in 1998 at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center. The CyberCenter was an immediate hit, and served as the model for similar facilities throughout the United States. There are now 60 David Bohnett CyberCenters nationwide. They serve as prime examples of the Foundation’s commitment to making leading-edge technology available to the traditionally underserved LGBT demographic. David Bohnett Foundation Since 1999, the David Bohnett Foundation (www.bohnettfoundation.org) has been committed to improving society through social activism, and has provided funding, state-of-the-art technology and technical support to innovative organizations and institutions. Grants totaling over $35m to date have been given in several primary funding areas: The Fund for Los Angeles, supporting a broad spectrum of arts, educational and civic programs; LGBT-related causes; voting rights and registration initiatives; supporting research and public policies to reduce the toll of firearm violence; and animal research and rights. David Bohnett serves as Chair of the David Bohnett Foundation; the head of the private equity firm Baroda Ventures and was the founder of GeoCities.com, an Internet based media and e-commerce company in 1994. GeoCities was acquired by Yahoo! in 1999. His goals are improving lives, empowering individuals and building viable communities by connecting like-minded people in meaningful ways. Also central to Bohnett’s vision is his call to action to aspiring philanthropists to begin their giving by getting personally involved with causes with which they identify so that they can experience service first-hand. Community Breakfast Honors LGBT Vets! The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center held it's quarterly community breakfast in the Center's community room on Saturday, February 6, 2010. This breakfast's theme was "Honoring Our LGBT Vets" and featured an informational presentation and discussion on Veteran issues. A delicious breakfast buffet was provided by Chef Shel of Haute Dish Personal Chef Service with a menu including egg torte (both vegetarian and chicken varieties), creole shrimp and grits, fresh berries, red-eye gravy and biscuits and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. Presenters for the event were Ellen Kozel from "Vets Do Ask, Do Tell"and Rick Benoit from "Vets Journey Home". The presentation included an informational video of the services that "Vets Journey Home" provides (Vets Journey Home is a unique weekend program for veterans, designed to help heal the emotional wounds of military service) and anecdotes from both relating to their military service and their return to civilian life. Once again we would like to thank everyone who helped make this an enjoyable event. Please check our website for information on our next community breakfast. Cupid's Arrow Online Auction a Great Success! To celebrate the magic and marvel of Valentine's Day, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center held it's second annual Cupid's Arrow online auction to benefit the programs and services much needed by our LGBT community. By helping the Center acquire (and then by bidding on) fun and unique items for this auction, you assisted us in fulfilling our mission to improve the quality of life of LGBT people in the metro Milwaukee region by raising over $3800 with 58% of bidders from out of state! Our HEART-felt thanks to everyone who participated! If you are interested in donating items or services for our next online auction in the fall, please contact Patrick Price, Director of Philanthropy, at (414) 292-3065, or e-mail him at pprice@mkelgbt.org. 2010 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Drag Ball The 2010 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Drag Ball will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 7:00PM in the UW-Milwaukee Union Ballroom. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Union is located at 2200 East Kenwood Boulevard, Milwaukee WI between Stowell Avenue on the east and Maryland Avenue on the west, on the east side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Paid parking ($1.25/hour [cash only]) is located underneath the Union and entered on the north side of Kenwood Boulevard. The Ballroom is located on the 1st Floor of the Union. You can view the map here: http://www.aux.uwm.edu/Union/union_map.html Cost: It's free to get into the show. Proceeds raised will go to benefit Project Q. Project Q is the Youth Program of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. Project Q provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth and their straight allies ages 24 and under. The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is a community-based organization represented by more than 150 volunteers and over 300 members. It's mission is to improve the quality of life for LGBT people in the Metro Milwaukee area. COME OUT, TIP THE PERFORMERS, PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS, AND HAVE FUN!!! Give/Get Strategies for Successful Board Fund Raising Maggi Cage, PhD Executive Director Like most nonprofit organizations these days we have experienced declining levels of giving over the past couple of years. This has led many nonprofit leaders to work with their governing boards to develop strategies for bringing in more support for the organization. Over the past two years we worked with our board to develop various strategies that include both giving money and getting other types of donations or leveraging influence. Being as creative as possible has allowed our board members to set stretch Give/Get goals and reach those goals. Our board members are people who work in the professions of education, social services, law enforcement, legal, banking, consulting, food, and personal care. They are everyday people dedicated to the mission of the Center and advancing equality for Milwaukee’s LGBT community. Based on our Board Engagement Activities Guidelines, board members have several methods for raising significant funds. It isn’t anything new, but it requires persistence and dedication to your goal. This past year the eight board members of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center raised $23,430, which was nearly as much as our 2008/2009 United Way allocation. These dedicated board members took advantage of several strategies for raising money and they were persistent. Here are a few of the simple ways we help our board support the organization: 1. Host a House Party. Board members create a list of friends, family and neighbors, select a date and provide the refreshments. The staff creates invitations, mails them out, makes follow-up phone calls just before the event, and provides a short program about the Center, making an appeal for memberships and donations. The potential goal is $300 (6 memberships @ $50 each) or $400 (6 memberships plus four $25 donations). 2. Solicit Items for Online Auctions. Board members solicit businesses, friends and other sources for auction items and provide contributors with donation forms that can be completed and sent to the Director of Philanthropy. Staff members then follow up with donors, provide tax credit letters, pick up the items, enter the item on the online auction space, monitor the site, and deliver items to the highest bidders. The potential goal is $1500 (auction items valued – winning bid is credit to board member’s goal). 3. Host/Sell One to Three Tables at an Event. Board members invite co-workers, friends, family, and business associates to purchase a ticket to attend the event. Staff provides invitations, mailing, registration, and follow-up phone calls to the list of invitees. The potential goal is $600 (1 table of eight at the early bird special rate of $75 per seat) or $800 (1 table of eight at the standard rate of $100 per seat). 4. Engage with an Annual Fundraising Appeal . Board member provides names and addresses of friends and family to be solicited during our spring and/or yearend appeal. They also conduct follow-up phone calls as directed. Staff provide appeal letters, mailing, tracking and progress reports to board member, thank-you letter to donors, and recognition in our annual report. The potential goal is $500 (10 gifts of $50) or $1,000(10 gifts of $100). 5. Work with Philanthropy Department to Engage Corporate Sponsors. Board members identify business relationships and contacts. They are willing to meet with the potential corporate sponsor along with a staff member, and endorse a corporate sponsorship. Staff provide scheduling of meeting, materials, lunch, follow-up calls, and recognition in materials, reports and on our website. The potential goal is $1,000 (1 corporate membership at $1000 level), $2,000 (2 corporate memberships at $1000 level), and $5,000 (1 corporate membership at $5,000 level). 6. Make a Personal Contribution. Board members determine their personal level of giving. $750 individual contribution 7. Identify Prospects for Major Gifts Board member identifies personal relationships and contacts and is willing to meet with the potential donor along with staff to endorse a major gift. Major Gifts may be multi-year pledges. Staff provides scheduling of meeting, materials, lunch, follow-up calls, and recognition in materials, reports and on our website. Board members then assist with continued donor cultivation. It All Adds UP! $300 - (6 memberships @ $50 each) $500 – ($1500 spring auction items valued – if 30% received of value) $600 - (1 event table of eight at early bird special rate of $75 per ticket) $150 - ($500 fall auction items valued – if 30% received of value) $500 - (10 year-end appeal gifts of $50 apiece) $1,000 - (1 corporate membership at $1000 level) $750 – personal contribution $3,800 The goal increases if a board member brings in a major gift.
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