Colleagues, 
Time flies when you’re having fun! It feels like just yesterday we were gathered for the 2024 Let Generosity Ring Summer Symposium in Philadelphia. With 133 attendees, including 46 first-time guests and 9 Golden Ticket holders, the symposium truly elevated our experience and time together.
In the spirit of the Olympics, one thing is clear: our Summer Symposium Planning Committee, led by Sarah Clough and Nikkii Kashbub, along with Lola Banjo, Sophia Barron, Jon Biedermann, Tim Burcham, Jim Cowen, Summers Hammel, Suzanne Hilser-Wiles, Laura Hutyra, Kate Hughes, Janell Johnson, Scott Lange, Brandon Lyons, Pamela Maroulis, Tim Sarrantonio, Don Souhrada, Eric Tomalis, Steve Waiksnoris, Chelsy Wilson, and Ryan Woroniecki, and supported by our MCI Team members Erin Berggren, Sophia Longmire, and Lea Williams, truly deserves a gold medal. Their dedication over the past nine months made the program and experience both enriching and engaging. We left the symposium with the spirit of Rocky, driven to create lasting impact and committed to making the world a better place for all.
Check out this video, created by Tim Burcham and Brian David, the photographer who joined us for the first two days: watch the video here.
We also extend our gratitude to Jay Frost and DonorSearch for capturing our sessions and member interviews on video.
Thank you for completing the survey. Your feedback is invaluable and will guide the planning for the 2025 Summer Symposium in San Diego. Stay tuned for updates.
This fall will be busy with key projects, including a website refresh, launching National Conversation activities to spotlight the Generosity Commission’s report release in September, and planning our November meeting in Chicago, which will feature the Mentor Series for new consulting team members.
As we move into the new year, I am excited about deepening our connection with member firms and gaining a better understanding of each organization’s offerings. We aim to engage team members in meaningful committee involvement and, in partnership with Membership, make volunteering easier, more accessible, and inclusive. There is so much untapped talent within our organization that we want to leverage.
The heart and soul of The Giving Institute are its members. Together, we have the opportunity to elevate our brand, impact, and presence in advancing generosity worldwide. I look forward to our continued journey. Please keep your innovative ideas and commitment coming to make the Giving Institute the best it can be.
Make no small plans,
Brenda
