Home

President's Message

“Oh, Mary Kay, you know you always feel better after a party!”

Years ago, (only 16 years ago people!) I was getting ready to go to a “work” party and was having second thoughts about going. I had taken a job on a political campaign in deep South Texas. On the day of the party, temperatures hit 107. The “work” party was to be on the patio of the host’s home. Have I mentioned the temperature was 107? My brother and I joked about me being at Exit 1 of Interstate 35. (This was funny to us since we had grown up in California and in Texas where you never really ever see “exit 1” on the highways.) In those days, too, we still wore pantyhose to work – even with summer dresses and sandals! (I know, right?!?!). So, I sat at my desk and said to myself, “I’ve done even more than my full day of work. No way am I going to this party. Someone else is going from the office, too. I don’t need to be there. Why am I here? Why is it so hot?” And then it happened. Clear as a bell. My mother’s voice in my head. “Oh, Mary Kay, you know you always feel better after a party!”

My mom was as right about things then as she is about so many other things now. I met my sweet and awesome husband at that party. (I thought we were networking....everyone agrees I was not so smart then! Ha!) And, we did good work for the campaign and the community.

I hope you will plan on our Summer Social this year. The event team has lined up a fantastic venue – the Scobee Planetarium at San Antonio College! After all these years in San Antonio, I’ve actually not ever been to the planetarium and am super excited to get this chance.

About now you are thinking, “why is she telling me this and what has this to do with fundraising?”

Here’s the answer: Being a member of a professional fundraising community is about learning how to be an even better professional fundraiser from peers and from teachers. It’s also about being with each other for fun! I know it’s “one more thing to put on the calendar”….and it’s hot, and it’s not close to my work or my house, and I hate having to find parking, and I really need to finish this project or that project or the project that will come tomorrow or the other projects that are looming. But think about this: you can balance your work/life with our summer social. And, you might just feel better after some fun!

Thank you for your membership in AFP San Antonio & South Texas! I hope you are as proud of our chapter as I am.

Happy Summer!

Mary Kay

AFP is the largest professional fundraising association in the world! Your membership to AFP provides you the opportunity to belong to a dynamic community committed to excellence in our profession. Not only does your membership include local opportunities and involvement with the San Antonio Chapter, but you receive benefits from AFP International.

Top Ten Reasons for joining the Association of Fundraising Professionals
1. Proclaim your professionalism.

2. Advertise your integrity.

3. Advance your career.

4. Further your cause.

5. Network with others who do what you do.

6. Advocate for your profession.

7. Serve your profession.

8. Don't reinvent the wheel – use available resources.

9. Play a part in elevating the status of the fundraising profession.

10. Do it for YOURSELF!

Join Today!

As the seventh largest city in the nation, the San Antonio community is proud of its rich history, cultural arts, family focus, advanced health care, and, above all, the amazing people that make this community as diverse and unique as any in the nation. Known as Military City USA, we welcome new residents on a regular basis and support the needs of those who protect our country.

The needs of our community are just as diverse as the people who live and work here. Over the years, area nonprofits have responded with services in every field, from healthcare to youth programs to the arts. AFP San Antonio brings local development professionals together to share our incredible work in the community.

MISSION STATEMENT

AFP, an association of professionals throughout the world, advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The core activities through which AFP fulfills this mission include education, training, mentoring, research, credentialing and advocacy.