Cassie Gilman
Chief Advancement Officer
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
AFP Member Since 2011
Why did you join AFP?
I joined AFP to be connected with peers in our region doing similar kinds of work. At the time I joined, I was in higher education fundraising and looking to peers in other sectors to help me learn more.
What is the most exciting thing about the work you do at your current organization?
What I love about my work at the Regional Food Bank is of course the mission; however, I love that I get to work with the most creative and innovative team, all of whom are constantly looking for ways to move the needle on ending hunger in the state.
How did you find your way into fundraising?
I made my way into fundraising by accident. I was hired to help manage events in my first "big girl" job and was successful in securing sponsorships so I think it just was natural transition. But I think I got my first unpaid fundraising job in Camp Fire as a kid. I was pretty good at selling candy that would pay my way for camp.
Share a favorite donor impact story
In 2018 we had secured a generous gift from and individual who was a government contractor. I remember the donor, not because they made a major gift, but because they were a regular volunteer, a recurring gift donor, and they had mentioned leaving our organization in their end of life plans. A conversation and a charitable gift was made in November. Fast forward to January of 2019, which is a just a couple of months later. The contractor had been out of work for months when the government shutdown and was cash strapped. The donor would find their way to our food distribution at the Fairgrounds. I will never forget seeing them in their most vulnerable state. It took a lot of coaxing from a colleague to get them to come in and get food and supplies. It truly was a full circle moment and it left an impression on me. Really the most impactful stories of donors happen when neighbors who have lived experience pay it forward to help others. My favorite gift we have received was a $3 money order during the pandemic.
What advice do you have for new professionals joining the community?
Don't be afraid to ask - this is not about money, but ask peers or others from advice. Just like giving, sometimes people are just waiting to be asked.
Share a book, movie, or musical artist who inspires you:
Pitbull - He drops knowledge on us when he shared, " Ask for Money, Get Advice. Ask for Advice, Get Money Twice."
How do you spend your free time when you’re not working?
I love games - you can find me at trivia, cards, all the New York Times word games. Also, when not working I enjoy working out, gardening and spending time with friends on my front porch.
Where do you most like (or want!) to travel?
I love to travel to see my family - my husband is working in California and our son is in college in Oregon.