Many nonprofits have moved to online auctions for their fundraising events. Several AFP Yosemite Chapter members have experience in holding successful online events. This panel discussion includes local professionals that have successfully used online auctions in various capacities. Panelists will share lessons learned, effective strategies, and important legal considerations.
The Panelists:
Cathy Mendoza is the current Executive Director at Society for disABILITIES and has been a resident of Modesto for 35 years. She and her husband, Pete, have been married for 37 years and have grown daughters and an adorable five-year-old granddaughter. She grew up on a farm outside of Firebaugh and attended Dos Palos High. Cathy majored in Communications and graduated with honors from University of the Pacific in Stockton.
She has worked for many non-profits including the American Heart Association, Modesto Symphony Orchestra and the First Tee of Central Valley. Cathy is active in her community as a current Board Member for Community Hospice Foundation and Modesto Rotary. In the past she served on boards for Latino Business Association and St. Luke’s Family Practice. She is also the Chair for the Community Hospice Golf Tournament and the Modesto Rotary Centennial Gala.
Cathy’s hobbies include reading, snow skiing, fitness and community service.
Craig Orona has almost 30 years of experience working in education and non-profit management. His professional career includes being a program director for the YMCA of San Diego County, a high school administrator, planning coordinator for Stanislaus County Office of Education, Director of Marketing & Fund Development at Sierra Vista Child & Family Services, as well as co-owner and CEO of ActivAlliances, Inc. During his professional management career, he has always worked in student and youth programs in addition to parent and volunteer development. He has had the opportunity to train and work with school faculty, students, parents, and volunteers in a variety of programs, activities, events, trainings, and workshops.
Craig’s experience includes youth development and leadership, program development/management, fund/resource development, volunteer management/ development, event planning, fiscal/budget management, community relations, marketing, workforce readiness, and organizational leadership. Craig earned his Bachelor Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Education from San Diego State University and Master in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus.
Currently, Craig is the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County is an after-school and summer youth enrichment organization that provides quality educational, leadership and character-building programs in positive settings for youth ages 6-18. Its mission is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults.
Craig is happily married to his wife Stephanie and they have two sons. Outside of his work, he stays busy with watching his son’s football and basketball games, travels with his family, and gives back to his community by being involved in the Modesto Sunrise Rotary Club, Ride for Mom, the Airport Neighborhood Collaborative, Cradle to Career Initiative, Enochs High Foundation, and the Friends of George Rogers to name a few.
Debbie Sanders, CPA - With over 25 years of experience in public accounting, Debbie serves as a Manager in the Tax department at Grimbleby Coleman, working on various types of tax returns. She leads the firm’s non-profit department, assisting local nonprofits with formation, annual filings, and any other tax and accounting concerns that arise throughout the year. Debbie is also involved in the Estate and Trust team and a member of the Stanislaus County Estate Planning Council. She holds an economics degree from UC Santa Barbara and enjoys meeting new people and interacting with them on a personal level as well as a professional one. She says, “I like helping people understand the meaning behind the numbers.”
A proud mother of 3 grown daughters, she now spends her time with her husband of almost 30 years and their black Labrador puppy, Gus. She enjoys spending a sunny Saturday kayaking on a local lake or taking a stroll along the beach. On Sundays, she will be singing either as part of the worship team on stage or in the congregation at Modesto Covenant Church. Every day of the week she holds concerts in her car, singing everywhere she goes!
Not only does Debbie contribute her financial expertise to non-profits, she also truly enjoys giving back through volunteerism. Debbie walked her first half marathon in 2012 as part of Team in Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This passion for helping those suffering from blood cancers brought her to a love of distance walking, and hours of talking with her teammates. Since then, she has completed multiple half marathons and other distance events, all raising money for various charities.
Getting to know the “people behind the numbers” is built into the culture at Grimbleby Coleman; Debbie’s favorite number is 7. “My family has raised 7 puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and I walked 7 half marathons with Team in Training, raising over $27,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.”
Amy Wolfe, CFRE is the principal and owner of Mujeres Poderosas, a collaboration of hard-working, determined, and passionate women sharing their collective wisdom for the betterment of organizations. She has spent nearly twenty years in executive capacities within the charitable sector, most recently as the President and CEO of AgSafe. Her career also includes tenure as a professional staff member in the California State Assembly and with the creative team for E&J Gallo Winery.
Ms. Wolfe’s philanthropic experiences are equally extensive and provide multiple opportunities to share her knowledge and expertise. She currently serves on The Salas Foundation and Protected Harvest Boards of Directors. Her previous Board service and leadership includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals – International and Yosemite Chapter, Modesto Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Stanislaus County.
In her various capacities both professionally and philanthropically, Ms. Wolfe has guided year-on-year organizational growth with an emphasis on strategic and Board development, implemented good governance models, spearheaded multi-faceted fund development campaigns, and guided purposeful change.
Ms. Wolfe possesses a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, she is accredited as Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
Register below to receive a link to meeting materials.
AFP Members: $10.00
All others: $15.00
This meeting is approved for 1.5 CFRE CEUs . 
Please note: Meetings are recorded. You may opt to turn off video on Zoom if you prefer not to be included in the recording.