Tom Riglar - Short and to the point
May
31, 2004
By Cam Tait
A quick Q & A with Tom Riglar, manager of major and planned gifts for the United Way of the Lower Mainland in Vancouver, BC.
Q: How and when did you get involved with the nonprofit sector?
A: Volunteering for the Montreal YMCA, Acoustic Neuroma, and Variety - The Children's Charity since 1972.
Q: What are some of the things you do?
A: All facets of planned giving, annual gifts of $10,000+, gifts
of securities, and gifts-in-kind.
Q: What personally motivates you to work in this field?
A: Helping those who are less fortunate.
Q: What are some of the challenges facing your organization?
A: Smaller, local charities asking for the donors' gifts.
Q: What are some of the successes of your group?
A: Workplace donors and long term supporters.
Q: What have you learned from your professional role that
you can use in other areas of your life?
A: Sensitivity and consensus.
Q: What advice do you have for other charities, based on some of the
successes you've had?
A: Be credible, thank often, spend wisely, and account regularly.
Q: How do you think the sector can attract new donors and volunteers?
A: Media stories on feeling good by giving, to balance out the
violence and drive-by shooting stories!
Q: What is the best way to thank volunteers?
A: Let them see the results of their work and the positive effects
on the lives of those they help.
Q: What do you see in the future for your organization?
A: Leading the community to raise more funds to help more people.
Do you know of someone who deserves to be in Charity Village's Spotlight?
Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement
to cam@charityvillage.com.
