Benevilla’s Post

Why’d you quit your day job to start a consulting company? Honoring our pillar of authenticity, the REAL truth comes in 2 parts: 1. I’ve worked incredibly hard for my life and my mental health. I’ve spent countless dollars on therapy, immense amounts of time improving as a person, and I want to be able to enjoy the fruits of that labor by being able to choose projects I’m interested in and set my own hours so I can truly prioritize this life I’ve built in that whole “work life” balance thing. 2. I want to be able to take on passion projects. I want to be able to have the time in my schedule to help a group of friends from the 80s raise money for a scholarship. I want to be able to have hard conversations and interviews with people about gritty subjects and not worry about brand alignment. I want to be able to have the space in my schedule for the people and projects that are so often pushed to the side for one reason or another. So, sure, it was mostly for me (this is the year of self-consideration after all)…but not all of it 😉

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” As a business we tend not to publicise the support that we give to both local charities and those further afield throughout the year. In a world where everyone is quick to tell you how great they are, we believe there is something nostalgic about doing a good deed without shouting from the rooftops. However, on this occasion I’m making an exception in the hope that it may encourage others. As much as we enjoy the laughs and (occasional!) meaningful gifts that come with our annual Secret Santa event. This year we made the collective decision to forgo this, instead opting to ask every member of the team to contribute a gift towards The Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal. Last year, this great cause distributed more than 76,000 gifts and it is anticipated that given the cost-of-living crisis, this year will see even more families relying of the goodwill of others. Delighted at how the Newman Stewart team fully bought into this concept and it underlines the ‘We Before Me’ culture that we take such pride in. On a personal note, as a parent, the thought of any child waking up with nothing to open on Christmas Day morning is heart-breaking. The rewards of playing a small part in changing this far outweighs the euphoria of receiving a ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug (still yet to be received, hint hint). If you are in the fortunate position of being able to support this great cause or many others at this time of year, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. Well done team! #newmanstewart #executivesearch #searchandselection #retainedsearch #charitysupport #salvationarmy #christmaspresentappeal

"Courtesy, kindness, justice, and love are the keynotes by which we may come into harmony with practically anybody." -- Step Ten, 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. In Recovery, we often say, “We keep what we have only by giving it away,” Everyday is an opportunity to reach beyond ourselves and focus on the small gestures of kindness for others. Whether it be bringing a friend a coffee, donating it to a food pantry, sending an encouraging text to someone, letting a car into the traffic ahead of you, or putting away the chairs at your homegroup, make time to do something for someone else today “just because.” Learn about Cedars' Authentic Recovery at: https://ow.ly/ktwi50Rmuvo

I really had a great time with Raine Jerke creating this podcast. Not only is Raine super talented with his Christmas Light Show, he's also our neighbor! Check out this episode of #TipsForChange to learn more about what it takes to put on a massive light show!

The definition of direct mail in three letters is: ASK. Every time clients try to mess up a fundraising letter by trying to hide the ask I think of this simple but powerful advice from William (Bill) McConkey, one of my teachers and mentors. If you are a direct mail fundraiser too make sure you write down these words and pin them on your board. #fundraising #christianfundraisingconsultancy #appeals #creativeagency #copywritingtips #faithbased #philanthropy

https://gofund.me/5f7afd17 🎁 Bringing Holiday Cheer: Making a Donation to Help Deserving Families 🎄 As the holiday season approaches, it's a time of joy, love, and giving back to our communities. In a year filled with challenges and uncertainties, many families have faced unexpected hardships. From financial struggles to health concerns, they have endured more than we can imagine. So, I wanted to make a small difference by contributing to their well-being during this time. By making a donation to help these families, I hope to bring a smile to their faces and alleviate some of their burdens. Whether it's providing warm clothing, essential supplies, or even a simple holiday meal, every bit counts. Together, we can make a significant impact and remind these families that they are not alone. 💫 I encourage each and every one of you to consider finding ways to give back this holiday season. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; even the smallest acts of kindness can make a world of difference. Let's remember that the true spirit of the holidays lies in giving, compassion, and unity. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and inspire others to join us in making a positive impact in our communities. #HolidayCheer #GivingBack #CommunityMatters #SpreadKindness

Here's my latest article for The Drum (link in comments) in which I look at how charities are going to be receiving less in their stockings this Christmas. I also stick the boot into lobotomised asshat Lawrence Fox. Just because. Here's a taster:- "I’m old enough to own my frailties and admit that professional jealousy has occasionally crept into my pieces, too. Perhaps even a smidgen of verboseness when I’ve tried to come across as smarter than I actually am (TL;DR - I went to Harrow, alongside Lawrence Fox, which means I’m also as thick as pig shit and have the academic credentials of Little Mix). But now it’s Christmas - our household is a place of merriment and anticipation. We have five chocolate calendars, two more than actual family members. Gluhwein is back on the menu, I've been to four Christmas markets already, and it’s only the first week of December. So I decided to write about something a little more wholesome, uplifting and hopeful - namely, the charity sector. At least that’s what I’d planned to do, except I can’t. Because non-profits around the world are warming up to the kind of Christmas that would send Mother Teresa on a three day bender and give Tiny Tim cholera". You'll see Nick Streeter, SpecialEffect features in the article, too. This wonderful charity helps disabled children and adults to play games by providing customised equipment - go and check them out and support their work if possible! SpecialEffect Kwalee Mobile Publishing Team Kwalee #gamesindustry #charityfundraising #nonprofit #brandpartnerships

Cultural change needs ongoing and sustainable working models to generate a transgenerational impact - eventually bringing us the futures we all need. Support us in the continuation of this mission by spread, reading and donating to our fundraiser: https://lnkd.in/eViar_up

Today is #GivingTuesday! 💚 On this global day of generosity, we hope you will consider taking one small action to support the arts nonprofits that help make Nashville a vibrant place to live and create. Here are three ways you can support #OZArts today: 1. GIVE MONEY: As a nonprofit arts center, we literally cannot do it without you! Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and government funding form the backbone of our operational budget. Make a gift to OZ Arts at https://bit.ly/OZDONATE. 2. GIVE VOICE: No matter how many shiny ads and emails we create, nothing is more compelling than the voice of a trusted friend! If you love what we do, spread the word by telling your network about our upcoming shows. 3. GIVE TIME: We’re always looking for volunteer ushers to help hand out programs and answer questions from audience members at performances! To be added to our volunteer list, email courtney@ozartsnashville.org.

Today's the day! End of year (EOY) giving is crucial to the nonprofits you most care about, and we could certainly use your support to close the calendar year on a high note. This unrestricted support will help fulfill the needs of our general operations and keep our three pillar programs running strong! Some quick stats from OneCause on how important this giving is: 28% of nonprofits raise up to 50% of their annual donations during year-end campaigns. 12% of all nonprofit giving happens within the last few days of the year. As you discuss your charitable giving plan with your family, please keep Camp Fire First Texas top of mind: https://lnkd.in/gyHXXq3J