We developed a program to focus first and foremost on volunteers, building their confidence through training and support, and rewarding them for their time and hard work.  Then the volunteers are sent out with the supporting tools, knowledge and confidence needed to approach donors within their community and ready to tackle any set donation level imaginable. 

How can YOU say no, when we have developed a program to allow you to say YES?!?!?!!!

Last month I was among thousands who helplessly watched a country fall to its knees. The graphic images that were being played nonstop across my television screen of Haiti, hours after the earthquake, were heart wrenching. Seeing family members searching for loved ones and trying to pull survivors from piles of concrete rubble are scenes that I will remember for the rest of my life. The outpouring of support from not only our country, but nations around the world, was unprecedented.

As the week went on, I realized why the general population was feeling the impact of the earthquake on such a profound level, giving millions of dollars in donations in just a few days to help in the relief effort. With television stations reporting hourly on the events taking place in Haiti and giving us a first hand look at what it was like for the Haitians as the hours passed, the reporters were able to put a face on the suffering. As we sat in the comforts of our home, we put ourselves in the Haitian’s shoes and imagined how it would feel if it was our own son or daughter that was injured or lost and in need of medical assistance and basic supplies.

Working with non-profit organizations, I continually stress the importance of telling a story and putting a face on the organization and events. I realized last month that the Haiti earthquake was a perfect example of how powerful sharing the stories of the people you are helping and the vital roll it plays in drawing in necessary donations.

As you promote your cause, make sure to share the stories of the positive impacts that have been made due to the efforts of your organization. As volunteers go out to solicit donations, have them tell a story about how they personally were motivated to join as a volunteer and how the money that the donor is contributing has helped someone live a fuller life. On your website, share a video testimony of someone who has been impacted by your organization. By doing all of these things, the donors will feel your cause on a more personal level and will be able to see first hand the way their donation has helped someone.

The earthquake in Haiti was a tragedy, but from the ashes I feel that we can all learn a lesson. In times of need people will rise to the occasion. Share your message and story so that you can continue to provide the services and support that help make this world a brighter place.

Jenny Winchell is Co-Founder and CEO for JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit http://www.info.jenseasolutions.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ANGELA MAGEE
ANGELA@JENSEASOLUTIONS.COM


CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 5, 2010 JenSea Solutions announced today a partnership with motivational speaker and life coach, Pamela Glowski, in an effort to expand the supporting tools offered in their resource center for participating non profits and their volunteers.

"I am excited about our collaboration with Pamela Glowski. She is a major asset to our company and the gift 2 go program. As she interacts with the volunteers and their organization, she will inspire and encourage them to reach their full potential,” said JenSea Solutions CEO Jenny Winchell.

Glowski will be recording several motivational sessions available online focusing on goal setting, building relationships with donors, storytelling and the personal touch, asking for referrals and other general tips for fundraising success . JenSea Solutions also announced an added bonus of a one hour live coaching session with Glowski, on the topic of their choice, for every non profit who utilizes the gift 2 go program.

"I am ecstatic to say the least! Pamela Glowski is such a positive inspiration to so many and we are blessed to have her working with JenSea Solutions and sharing her message to non-profit organizations," said Stacey Benson, CFO of JenSea Solutions.

Glowski is founder of Choices and Chances, a multi-media personal development forum and community that focuses on giving insights into how our journey in life comes down to all of our choices and chances. Topics include everything from everyday choices we make to second chances in love, life, business, and health.


Gift 2 go is a comprehensive fundraising solution for non-profit organizations that uses travel incentives as part of a gift package for donors and volunteers. JenSea Solutions is able to offer a unique alternative to traditional fundraising gifts, and recipients are able to travel at drastically reduced prices.

JenSea Solutions was founded by two U. S. Coast Guard wives, Stacey Benson and Jenny Winchell, in 2006 when both women were looking for a way to balance family life with a successful career. For more information on JenSea Solutions visit them online at http://www.jenseasolutions.com.

CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 2, 2010 JenSea Solutions is now offering environmentally friendly gift options to complement the travel incentives in the gift 2 go program.

The new 2010 Green Product Catalog features all natural and organic items like soy candles, handmade soaps, natural lip and body balm, stainless steel water bottles and eco friendly shopping bags.

“We’re passionate about the charities that we are helping and their causes but we are especially passionate about the environment and we feel our clients are too,” said Jenny Winchell, CEO of JenSea Solutions.

JenSea Solutions has partnered with small locally owned companies who are dedicated to making quality, earth friendly items and share their passion for the cause.

“It’s about choice and we want to offer our clients the opportunity to choose more environmentally friendly products for their donors and volunteers,” said Stacey Benson, CFO of JenSea Solutions.

Gift 2 go is a comprehensive fundraising solution for non-profit organizations that uses travel incentives as part of a gift package for donors and volunteers. JenSea Solutions is able to offer a unique alternative to traditional fundraising gifts, and recipients are able to travel at drastically reduced prices.


JenSea Solutions was founded by two U. S. Coast Guard wives, Stacey Benson and Jenny Winchell, in 2006 when both women were looking for a way to balance family life with a successful career. For more information on JenSea Solutions visit them online at www.JenSeaSolutions.com.

We are excited to announce our new 2010 Fundraising Product Catalog for our gift 2 go™ program! We are passionate about helping our planet, so we have made this year’s catalog GREEN! All the products in the catalog are earth friendly and biodegradable. Click here to view our 2010 Product Catalog online.


Are you a non-profit organization looking for a turn key fundraising program that is risk free and has no up front cost? Please visit http://www.jenseasolutions.com/ to learn about our gift 2 go™ program and how it is revolutionizing the world of fundraising. We are here to help your organization motivate and train your volunteers; as well as provide them with the tools they need to achieve their fundraising goals.

Without a doubt, fundraising is essential to the livelihood of non-profits. As a non-profit staff member, you are looking to bring in much needed donations to ensure the continuation of programs and services, along with any grants that you receive. For most organizations, they look to hire professional fundraising firms to help them achieve their fundraising goals and utilize their services for the marketing and promotion of their events. Unfortunately, this service comes with a hefty price tag.

The general public is now becoming aware of the amount of money that is taken out of each contribution given to the charity of their choice. In an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, the California attorney general, Jerry Brown, reported that professional fundraising firms on average are keeping more than half of the charitable donations they collect. Less than 44% of the money was given to the non-profit, the rest the firm kept for fees and expenses.

California is not the only state finding out the huge gap between contributions collected and how little goes to the charity. In a Nashua Telegraph article, it was reported that more than two-thirds of the money raised from Vermonters by paid charitable fundraisers went to the fundraising companies, with just a third going to the charities. Live in Vermont? Click here to find out which non-profits in your state use paid fundraisers.

JenSea Solutions feels strongly that the lion’s share of the contribution should go to the charity it was meant to help. That’s why we instituted the gift 2 go™ program, a simple straightforward fundraising solution, where non-profits only pay for the products that are used to thank loyal volunteers and reward donors. Our supporting tools such as marketing and promotion of the fundraising event, training of your volunteers, and complimentary staff support are FREE!
 
This means that for a $100 donation given to your organization, you will receive no less then 75% of the contribution. There are NO up front or out-of-pocket costs associated with our gift 2 go™ program. Payment of the gifts used to thank volunteers and donors are taken out of the proceeds at the conclusion of the fundraising event. By eliminating the service fees and expenses charged by professional fundraising firms, your organization will increase its overall fundraising efficiency.
Need some more reasons to use JenSea Solutions for your next fundraising event?

• We provide your organization with the largest profit margin when using a fundraising program.
• Between our travel incentives, customized jewelry, and green product line, we create excitement with our unique gifts.
• Complimentary assembly of gift boxes; decreasing time spent at conclusion of fundraising drive.
• We become an extension of your staff that you don’t have to pay a salary to!

We know that every dollar you collect goes to helping one more person in the community. Let JenSea Solutions provide you with the inexpensive tools you need, combined with optimum service, to help your organization reach its fundraising objectives.

Jenny Winchell is Co-Founder and CEO for JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com