YOUR international aid organization, Episcopal Relief & Development, is celebrating 75 years of healing a hurting world and our diocese is joining the party with our 75th Anniversary Campaign. As unveiled at our Diocesan Convention, the 75th Anniversary Campaign is part celebration, part awareness-raising, and part fundraising.
Celebration – A cornerstone of this 75th anniversary is a travelling photo exhibition that includes 33 iconic images and their backstory; the story of how Episcopal Relief & Development has helped “…the least of these, my children” in 40 countries worldwide. This impressive exhibition will be on display at St. Mark’s Cathedral April 11-26, 2015.
Individual congregations are also encouraged to host their own celebration events, which leads to:
Awareness-raising – Though Episcopal Relief & Development has been around for three quarters of a century, many folks in our diocese are not aware of what the organization does, how effectively it works, and how it has truly transformed millions of lives. Workshops/forums at the congregation level will be strongly encouraged over the coming year. Or simply include an education piece in an evening of celebration at your church.
Fundraising – Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a 75-week campaign to raise $7.5 million to support its programs where the need is greatest. The Diocese of Olympia is doing its share by seeking $150,000 over the next year to be designated to the 75th Anniversary Fund. ANY size contribution is greatly appreciated. This is a perfect opportunity to educate and encourage support from folks who are somewhat unfamiliar with Episcopal Relief & Development. For those who already know of the organization, take a leadership role in contributing or organizing an event at your church. One effective starting tactic is to request a matching gift from two or three members of your church – they match the first $1,000 or $5,000 or $10,000 of what the congregation raises. Double your money!
Episcopal Relief & Development has a wealth of resources and ideas on their 75th Anniversary webpage and we’ll be highlighting some as the year progresses. You might also check out the the 75th Anniversary Fund Toolkit for ideas to help your congregation celebrate.
You can make a direct donation to our 75th Anniversary Campaign online. Please designate your donation to “75th Anniversary” and include your church name and city on the donation form.
Our Diocesan Coordinator, Chuck Hamilton, is willing and able to visit your church for a forum, sermon or event to help you celebrate, increase awareness, and raise funds for Episcopal Relief & Development. Reach him at chuckdrum@comcast.net or 253-569-8023.
Peace,
Chuck Hamilton
Episcopal Relief & Development Coordinator, Diocese of Olympia
episcopalrelief.org
chuckdrum@comcast.net
