February 2012

Blessings

When I took over for Bill Rankin at GAIA’s helm a few months back, I had two concerns: 1) are the programs as good as advertised? and 2) will the organization’s donors stay with GAIA through the transition?  Last month, I wrote that the answer to #1 is an emphatic “yes!” based on my December field visit.  Today, with year-end donations tallied, I can add a relieved “yes!” to #2 as well.

The short summary to our year-end fundraising is this:  GAIA had its best December ever income-wise, thanks to a large contribution from the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, and literally hundreds of individual and family donations.  At this time of organizational transition, this is truly astounding.

Importantly (and responding directly to worry #2 above), contributions were particularly strong among repeat supporters.   In fact, nearly two-thirds of 2010 donors repeated (or increased!) their gift in 2011, the highest percentage in our history.

I see that behind the strong programs are strong and loyal supporters who care deeply for our work and donate for different reasons.  Some are personal – your own loss of a loved one to AIDS, entering college on a scholarship, or watching nurses provide life-saving care.  Others donate because of an introduction to GAIA through their congregations, schools or friends.  All of you give out of the ultimate example of selflessness – to help people whom you will never meet.

I am inspired and heartened and excited. GAIA will be growing its programs in 2012 and that is thanks to you.

Onward to 2012 and beyond!

Todd Schafer
GAIA CEO


January 2012

Greetings!

December 2011

World AIDS Day

November 2011

GAIA Welcomes New CEO Todd Schafer

October 2011

Mighty Lak a Rose

September 2011

Birthday

August 2011

“One Who Knows”

July 2011

The “C” Word

June 2011

Bednets: Simply Effective

May 2011

Bicycle Ambulances

April 2011

Test Kits