Capital Region Cares Capital Region Cares 2018-2019 | Page 117

events when it first started, to more than 70 events in 2018,
many of which were collaborations between participating
organizations and local businesses. Sacramento’s RedRover,
which helps rescue animals from natural disasters and ne-
glect, participated in a block party event in 2017, which helped
drive participation. “One of the things we really like with the
Big Day of Giving is meeting with other nonprofits in the area,”
says RedRover president and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “It brings the
community together in a really dynamic way and gives us all a
big boost in energy.”
To elevate the BDOG program for more organizations, SRCF
instituted a mentorship program in 2017 to pair experienced
BDOG nonprofits with some of the newcomers. Placer Land
Trust, a conservation organization that permanently protects
natural and agricultural lands in Placer County, has mentored
20 organizations in the last two years, utilizing large group
gatherings, one-on-one sessions and a debriefing meeting to
identify best practices and lessons learned. “Personally, I have
enjoyed working with the nonprofits that are new to BDOG.
We focus on identifying the most critical aspects of their cam-
paign and on the tasks that give them the greatest return on
their investment,” says PLT development and communications
manager Kara Walker.
PLT has been participating in BDOG since 2014, and in
2018, was the dollar leader in funds raised with over $219,000.
“We used to be one of the best-kept secrets in Auburn,” says
Walker. “Big Day of Giving has helped us to expand our mes-
sage and our mission to a much bigger audience.” Placer Land
Trust worked on increasing its messaging through social me-
dia, radio and television to maximize participation, and year
over year, has maintained a 63 percent retention rate. In ad-
dition to its messaging, PLT engages its board members and
volunteers to get the word out and has its own matching-fund
program.
The SRCF strongly believes that the nonprofit sector is as
important today as it ever was, and will continue to grow, with
the Big Day of Giving helping to elevate individual philanthro-
py in the region. “The community has embraced this program
as a day to celebrate something really big and good for the Sac-
ramento region, and it’s gone beyond our expectations,” says
Priscilla Enriquez, chief impact and strategy officer. “And I
think that’s a real positive thing that we need.” n
Laurie Lauletta-Boshart is a contributing writer and
editor for consumer publications, Fortune 500 companies,
small business and higher education. She has written
for Comstock’s, Dwell, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, SI.com
(Sports Illustrated) and others. On Twitter @laurieboshart
and www.wordplaycommunications.com.
SCCF 2018 Hearth Fair: Medical Professional volunteers & board members
THE SACRAMENTO CHINESE
CULTURE FOUNDATION (SCCF)
Proudly serving Sacramento’s Asian community since 1986
SCCF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our mission includes:
• Promoting peace in a multi-cultural society;
• Promoting Chinese culture through education, scholarship and community events;
• Providing resources and standards for Chinese language, history and culture studies;
• Providing scholarships to schools and students for Chinese language and culture learning;
• Participating in Asian culture events through collaboration with community groups.
SAVE THE DATE: East & West Health Fair, Sunday November 3rd, 2019 at California Northstate University College
of Medicine in Elk Grove.
For more information contact Sangsang Ma: 916-479-5726 | [e-mail] | www.sccfsac.org

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