Gail Brown a former elementary school teacher, has overseen more than one hundred fundraising productions for community and educational projects. Currently a columnist for the MidCounty Chronicle and the author of The Big Event (Scholastic), she lives in Casa Grande, Arizona. nbsp;
Colleen Schuerlein is an extraordinary minister, teacher and team builder. She is a master at facilitating committed groups of people; many of them volunteers, in creating dynamic and profitable projects that further an organization's vision. She has a lifetime of experience as an organization and volunteer director. Colleen says, "My life is all about family, fundraising, building community and making a difference. Fundraising is about joy, gathering people together for a common purpose and discovering in the process that there is always enough, when each person brings their own unique talents to the project." Her skills and experience have enabled her to successfully market and produce… nationally known speakers, concerts, variety shows, and fundraising events as well as ongoing projects that grow and sustain organizational success. Colleen is by all accounts an inspirational and accountable manager of relationships, people and projects. She has: - ten years experience producing events with nationally known artists including Marianne Williamson, Mark Victor Hansen, Father Leo Booth, Kenny Loggins, Dr. Wayne Dyer The Neville Brothers, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Alan Cohen, Dr. Harry Morgan Moses, Gary Zukav, and Mary Manin Morrissey, - recruited, trained and lead volunteer teams in building a Habitat for Humanity home, - co-created the first Recycling Center on Orcas Island, WA in the mid 1970's that continues to expand today, - developed the first outdoor education program for Orcas Island, WA, - obtained a real estate license and while working for 10 years as a construction manager received the Seattle Master Builders MAME Award for the best custom home, - has co-created 28 distinct and ongoing fund raising events over 10 years, - co-created Acts of Kindness teams which provided gifts for children at Christmas, holiday meals for families, Easter baskets for disadvantaged children, coat and food drives and global emergency relief projects, - lead 6 annual inspirational celebrations of music and speaking for a 4000-member organization, - effectively managed artist transportation negotiated contracts, assembled productions, managed event staff and marketed many events, - developed multiple special event fund raisers, lead and trained volunteer leaders and produced events like a casino night, live and silent auction, and a holiday bazaar, - conceived, marketed, trained, and managed 250 participants, and 50 team leaders in local and global interpersonal growth teams. Colleen Schuerlein, an ordained minister, facilitates and participates in secular and interfaith projects globally. In 1997, she was part of the Synthesis Project, a summit of world leaders including His Holiness the Dalai Lama that was held at his home in Dharmasala, India. She has facilitated pilgrimages to sacred sites around