[Click HERE for photos] As the tough economic conditions continue, fundraising professionals are searching for new ways to meet their budgets and grow their organizations.

The “2 Day Fundraising Retreat,” a joint production by H. Leiner & Co, and Bottom Line Marketing Group, just took place on Wed-Thur. July 22-23 at the Oppenheimer’s Regis Hotel in Fleischmanns, NY.

A particular highlight (especially noted during the 3 weeks) was the participation and camaraderie from the cross-section of Orthodox Jewry: Belz, Satmar, Lubavitch, Sephardic, and Yeshivish mosdos and organizations were all represented. Attendees were from Dallas, Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Boston, Scranton and the tri-state area.

The all-star lineup of presenters included: Herschel Leiner of H. Leiner & Co., Rabbi Doniel Y. Neustadt, Chairman of the Vaad HaRabanim of Detroit and author of The Weekly Halachah Discussion Series, Rabbi Tzvi Bider, Executive Director of the Chicago Center for Torah & Chesed, Yitzchok Saftlas of Bottom Line Marketing Group and Yehoshua Leiner, noted historian. Additional presentations were by Rabbi Yonah Weinrib of Judaica Illuminations and Rabbi Tzvi Chaim Pincus of Tiferes Stam. 

One topic that captured much attention was about online fundraising opportunities. A soon-to-be-released fundraising website solution designed specifically for yeshivas and non-profits, called DonorGiftsOnline.com was introduced.  Other topics covered were: running effective dinners, successful direct mail campaigns, time management and donor retention techniques, and fundraising on a reduced budget.

A touching comment from Mrs. Rivkah Weiss of The Toronto Cheder summed it up best, “This conference exceeded my most optimistic expectations.  I just feel bad for anyone who was not able to make it.  Every mosad deserves to benefit.  Have it again!”

Yes, plans are in the works for the next seminar. For further information, please contact Esther 718-412-3520 or [email protected].

(YWN Desk – NYC)