Non-Profits Flocked to Gather Ideas About "Thinking Outside the Box"

The free seminar was packed with non-profits interested in gaining knowledge from local business professionals on how to grow their charitable organizations.

Naples, FL, September 03, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Over 70 attendees from various local non-profit organizations gathered at the Naples Daily News Community room on Thursday, August 26 to learn more about surviving these tough economic times by ‘thinking outside the box.’ The seminar, Thinking Outside the Box, was sponsored by E. Sue Huff, owner of E. Sue Huff & Associates, and Kelly Capolino, a top-producing real estate agent and founder of the Diamond Volunteer Program.

The seminar featured four speakers. Alongside Huff and Capolino were Cyndee Woolley, Chief Creative Strategist and owner of C2 Communications, and Paul Kessen, President of Allegra of Naples. In a fast- paced two hours, these business professionals presented vital information to stir up enthusiasm and push attendees to create new ways of thinking. All of the presentations were designed to enhance and further the growth of local non-profit organizations in Collier County.

“If a free event could be described as ‘sold out,’ then the Thinking Outside the Box seminar was just that,” said Huff. “The room was completely full and I’m so pleased to have been a creator and sponsor of this seminar. Everyone seemed hungry for information. The speakers were fantastic sources of knowledge and we were able to relay a lot of valuable tips in several topics – marketing, social media, free printing programs, free volunteer retention programs and free cash programs... all available to local non-profits. It was an exciting day.”

Debra Frenkel, Executive Director/Founder, Freedom Waters Foundation and seminar attendee, commented, “Thank you for thinking outside the box and providing such a wonderful seminar of pertinent and needed information for non-profits. I learned a great deal and came out rejuvenated with energy and excitement for all the new possibilities.”

Huff presented tips for marketing success geared to a non-profit’s specific needs while Woolley explained the necessity of incorporating social media into a business plan and how it can be used to gain new volunteers and raise funds. Woolley also addressed questions and offered stats about the upcoming Gen Y group of donors. Kessen gave details about Allegra’s community programs and special free services offered to charitable organizations. Capolino rounded out the seminar by presenting her Diamond VolunteerProgram, a recognition series for non-profits. She also supplied information on how to apply for the award, plus, offered the cash referral portion of the program as a fundraising idea.

“I couldn’t be happier with how the seminar unfolded; I’m so glad that I was able to give back to the community this way,” said Capolino. “With all the timely and valuable information that was provided, you can bet we will be hearing more about these local non-profits as they start using tips about thinking outside the box!”

The seminar had a surprise ending, even for the speakers and sponsors. Scott Robertson, a local auctioneer, came to the front of the room after winning one of the door prizes supplied by DEAZZLE.com. Robertson then broke out in an auctioneer chant, taking bids from the audience and raising $60 from the highest bidder which was given to one of the non-profits in attendance. It was a fun and upbeat ending to the seminar and was a literal example of how to start thinking outside the box.

After the seminar, Robertson shared with a sponsor, “Great show today! Lots of great information that was spot-on for furthering the development cause of not-for-profit organizations -- like Child Care of Southwest Florida, where I volunteer my time. Thanks for being flexible in allowing me to auction the door prize gift certificate to benefit Girls on The Run.”

Watch for details on additional seminars for non-profits and for-profit businesses coming soon from E. Sue Huff & Associates or visit www.esuehuff.com for marketing tips and more.

More About E. Sue Huff & Associates:
E. Sue Huff & Associates, Inc. is a marketing and management consulting firm founded in 1996. The firm helps small to mid-size businesses develop, administer and plan their marketing strategies, as well as providing gap management services for those companies who find themselves with too few senior managers. Clients vary from national computer software developers, international aviation repair stations, banks, real estate, transportation, medical and accounting practices to educational, governmental and non-profit organizations. For more information about services or speaking engagements, please visit www.esuehuff.com or email sue@esuehuff.com.

About C2 Communications:
Cyndee Woolley is the owner and Chief Creative Strategist for C2 Communications. She is an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional with a specialty in social media strategy. Locally, she developed the Tweet Town Hall with Representative Matt Hudson, a blended in-person and online event that won both a Platinum Hermes Award and an Image Award from the Florida Public Relations Association.

About Allegra Of Naples:
Allegra provides people and businesses with a full array of exceptional marketing services, including marketing planning, graphic design, quality customized full-color printing, direct mail, Email marketing and
promotional products. The FootPRINT Fund was developed to unite and strengthen communities by building awareness and support, and is part of the Community Care Campaign, a nationwide effort supported by the company’s franchise headquarters, Allegra Network.

About Kelly E. Capolino:
Kelly E. Capolino, founder of the Diamond Volunteer Programs and an agent with Keating Associates, is a residential real estate “Listing Leader” and “Top Producer” in Naples. She ranked #16 out of 5,000 real estate agents with the Naples Board of Realtors in 2009, excluding foreclosure agents. Her expertise in real estate is far-reaching with extensive knowledge and experience in luxury properties, acreage properties, investment properties, and renovation opportunities. Capolino’s office is located in downtown Olde Naples on 5th Avenue South. She can be reached at 239-877-6700 or 239-262-6606 ext. 319 or online at Kelly@Naples.net or at www.KeatingRealty.com.

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Kelly E. Capolino
E. Sue Huff
239-262-6606 ext.316
www.keatingrealty.com
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