I am very grateful to have had the good fortune to work with the consultant from James D. Klote & Associates on the Capital Campaign for All Souls Church. I’ve been a member of the church since 1986 and I found myself drawn into leadership roles because there are so many inspiring challenges and rewarding opportunities in our congregation. In my experience, the issue of money/costs/repairs was always off-putting, and it’s easier to concentrate on “good works.” For years, the deteriorating state of our beloved home has been a source of anxiety for all of us. And, it seemed like the naysayers could have been right … “people won’t contribute, our future is bleak.” But the opposite has proven to be our reality.
The consultant created a Focus Group and Questionnaire strategy that was far-reaching. We had an impressive number of focus group meetings and many questionnaires were completed, and this process brought in authentic themes of concern and suggestions. The Campaign that was derived is truly ours. The Capital Campaign is on everyone’s mind, and our results are a source of pride and enthusiasm. It has all of us thinking in positive ways about our obligations and our opportunities to assure a strong future for our beloved nearly 200-year-old congregation. Our congregation has been energized and unified by this process. We thank you.
All Souls Church
New York, New York