Dawn Starostka

Joined the Feeding Texas leadership team as the first development professional for the organization, with the challenge and opportunity to build out the program to support the organization. Responsible for corporate partnerships and cause marketing, individual annual giving, grant writing and management, for both Feeding Texas as well as to support larger initiatives supporting our network of food banks in Texas.

Successes:

• Selection, development and implementation of first CRM (EveryAction) to support development as well as advocacy.
• Development and implementation of annual giving and stewardship plan.
• Increased annual cause marketing campaigns from 1 to 9.
• Creation of crisis fundraising procedures.

Directed all external-facing work of the BBBS program in the southwest part of the state including working with the local board, raising funds, marketing and community relations, and mentor recruiting. Successes:

• Rebuilding regional board from 3 members to a strong 13-member board
• Increased event revenue by over 300%
• Increased grant revenue and opportunities not just for my regional but the entire agency
• Increased volunteer base through targeted media and marketing and through community image

I founded and built HHEP from a one person, home-based business to a 5 full time staff and multiple contractors, successful small business that was responsible for some of the biggest public events not just in Las Cruces, but throughout New Mexico. My diverse client based included space-related companies, universities, agricultural, multiple non-profits, the City of Las Cruces, and the State of New Mexico. Additionally, I was proud to provide educational opportunities for hospitality/tourism students at New Mexico State University as well as working with student groups to help their fundraising.

Successes:

• Leveraged 10 years of experience working in non-profits to help local non-profits produce events consistent with their mission and essential for their fundraising including Mesilla Valley Hospice, Rotary clubs of Otero County, La Casa Domestic Violence Shelter, Amador Hotel Foundation
• Produced over 150 events, to include all elements from venue negotiation, vendor solicitation, sponsorship, site plans, budgeting, permits, site rentals, on site management, final reports and future recommendations
• Built relationships with multiple industries/sectors including agriculture, aerospace, non-profits, the arts, chambers of commerce, and tourism in Las Cruces and around the state
• Guided clients in the process of defining their event and marketing purpose and clearly understanding the risks, opportunities and expected outcomes
• Succeeded in retaining clients for many years based on the ability to deliver high quality, on-budget, timely events that delivered on the promised vision.

Built comprehensive development program that included major gifts, annual giving, special events, and corporate partnerships as well as fundraising programs for students.

As the first fully devoted Development professional, structured a development program that included major gifts, annual giving, special events, and planned giving, and managed Development Committee and Board of Trustees with members from around the country. Oversaw the Foundation’s presence at two annual meetings per year, and oversaw the creation of a half million dollar endowment fund for ongoing aging research.

Assisted Director of Development with annual giving, newsletters, special events, facility tours, marketing materials, planned giving materials and estate planning seminars.