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1. Tell us about the organization you represent. What mission drives your work?
The Chase Hawks Memorial Association is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families in south central Montana and northern Wyoming who are facing serious illness, injury, or unexpected crisis. Through crisis grants we provide financial assistance that helps ease burdens and support people during some of life’s most difficult moments. Our mission is driven by a commitment to neighbors helping neighbors—bringing our community together to provide hope, relief, and opportunity when it’s needed most.
2. How did you first find your way into the nonprofit or fundraising profession?
I began volunteering with CHMA in 2017 at the annual Rough Stock Rodeo, our largest fundraiser. In 2020 the opportunity to step into the Executive Director role came about and I left education for the non-profit world.
3. What keeps you passionate about this work after all these years?
Having the opportunity to help people never gets old. I was raised in 4-H and FFA, both organizations and my family instilled in me the importance and value of helping others. My kids have grown up being involved in CHMA and enjoy helping at all the different events. I have the opportunity to instill in my kids the belief that there is no better way to give back to a community than to help others.
4. What inspired you to join AFP, and what do you value most about the chapter?
Chase Hawks proudly celebrated 30 years of being a part of our community. I wanted to find more ways our organization can continue to be a relevant resource for the next 30 years. AFP not only has the educational component, but being able to network with other non-profits and connect with others who are facing the same challenges and opportunities is incredibly valuable.
5. What fundraising success or moment stands out to you?
When we can help a family or individual and we later hear that the assistance we provided helped them through their crisis and they are doing well, those are the most meaningful moments. To know the average non-profit’s life span is roughly 10 years and we have been giving a hand up to our community for 30 and have provided over $1 million in grants is our proudest accomplishment as an organization. To have a played a small role in that accomplishment is very humbling.
6. What advice would you offer someone just beginning a career in fundraising?
Connections and networking are your lifeline. Be willing to share your story and eager to listen to others share theirs. My family always teases me that I know everyone in town. More often than not, those connections have led to great things and meeting wonderful people who have helped me in my career.
7. What do you like to do outside of work, or what’s a fun surprise about you?
When I’m not working, I’m shuttling my kids to their various events or helping them with their 4-H projects. My son is an avid trap shooter and shows pigs in FFA and my twin daughters are active in softball and wrestling, one shows pigs and one shows lambs. We feed cattle and farm with my husband’s family, so I am also very active in our local Farm Bureau as the county secretary. Basically, I’m a professional chaos coordinator!
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