Strong Opinions Blog
July 20, 2024
What is Nonprofit Development? is a peek into the mind of Jimmy LaRose’s friend, mentor, dad and fundraising veteran Mr. Hall Powell. Let’s hear what Hall has to share as he demystifies the word “development.” Little Girl: “Daddy, what do you do?” Father: “I am a Chief Development Officer” Little Girl: “What does that mean?” Father: “Well, honey, I help people’s dreams and desires come true.” Little Girl: “Mommy said you are a fundraiser. What’s a fundraiser?” Father: “Well, your mother is somewhat right….” Little Girl: “What do you mean?” Father: “As a development officer I do fundraising…but it is so much more than that” Little Girl: “Like what…?” Father: “Well, uh… Sweetheart, is dinner ready yet!” Wife: ”It’s only 3 o’clock!” Oh my! Dad is in trouble! The little dialogue is meant to be humorous, but it does bespeak of the need to differentiate between development, marketing, and fundraising. While most people use the terms interchangeably, they are three very distinct disciplines, but all three are critical, essential for institutional development. Let’s take a look:
May 19, 2024
Painted in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi, the Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the U.S. Capitol Building’s Rotunda depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory, flanked by female figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame and surrounded by six groups of figures. The fresco is suspended 180 feet above the Rotunda floor and covers an area of 4,664 square feet. Jimmy & Kristi LaRose Celebrating The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol was painted in the true fresco technique by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. Brumidi (1805-1880) was born and trained in Rome and had painted in the Vatican and Roman palaces before emigrating to the United States in 1852. A master of creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms and figures on flat walls, Brumidi painted frescoes and murals throughout the Capitol from 1855 until his death.