Community Happenings: Hello 2018!

Shannon Emery

Hello Community!

 
Welcome to 2018! 

 
As I reflected on 2017, I realized my important memories revolved around people. Whether starting out the new year with impromptu snowball fights, or love & support during a health issue, or jokes & friendship at work, people made my 2017 memorable. Even the less than stellar moments left me with important lessons: patience, understanding, and determination.

 
Not surprisingly, those moments include you.


Last year I told myself to get to know some of you better and it happened. We have travel aficionados, caring parents of all sorts, proud pet owners (partial to fur kids myself), dance competition champions, cider connoisseurs, avid runners, karaoke lovers, and so much more.


You all are more fascinating than what Blackbaud product you use and I can’t wait to learn more and, in turn, create an even better Community for you in 2018. Let’s do this!

 
First, let’s see what’s happening in the Community:

 
Make an Appearance

• Getting a new in the New Year start using Financial Edge NXT? Join us tomorrow, January 3, for our first Adoption Success Seminar.
• Does the New Year bring you tidings of tax season in Financial Edge? Join your amazing Support team for a 1099 Live Chat on January 10.

Stay Informed

• Some goals are easier than others. Get your Raiser’s Edge Fundamentals and Professional Certification questions answered in our latest blog post.
• Are you new to Luminate Online this new year? Check out the Getting Started program.

Get Involved

• Even Raiser’s Edge has New Year’s resolutions: help us make auctions even better in this feedback survey.
• Share how your organization looks at the donor life cycle with our Best Practices poll.

Alright favorite Community, share your favorite 2017 memory below and I’ll draw a random name for a special New Year prize from me! See you next week.

 

Jennifer Donlevie

My best memory from 2017 was visiting our family that we hosted an exchange student with in Spain and cruising the Mediterranean!  For work...of course ...moving to RENXT...why'd we wait so long!

Kathi Sacha

Attending my younest son's college graduation.

 

Karen Tuecke

To choose a favorite memory from 2017 is difficult due to the year me and my family had to endure, but I would have to say it was watching the meteor shower in June of 2017. We drove to northern Wisconsin to view the shower. We were fortunate enough to stay on a golf course, which had an endless view of the sky. My husband, the kids and I laid on blankets under the stars and just watched, shared stories and giggled. In our 20 years of marriage, this moment had to be the most memorable. Many people say money can buy anything, guess what... we did not have to spend a penny to enjoy what nature gave us. Many blessings in 2018!

Nichole Spates

A fond 2017 memory was getting the chance to look at the college campus where I work through the lens of my camera.  I took a photography class and we had to do "stories".  I did one about Kingsborough's campus.  It was spring and it was lovely to spend my lunch hours outside,  taking time to explore and look closely at the plants, trees and birds that comprise our seaside campus.  No offense, but it was a welcome break from my role as the Raiser's Edge administrator!

 

Shannon Emery

Ooooh, I have always wanted to go to Spain, Jennifer. What a nifty experience. And welcome to RE NXT!

Shannon Emery

Congrats on the youngest graduating, Kathi! What an accomplishment. I still remember my parents looking all misty eyed at my graduation. Right to the feels.

Shannon Emery

Karen - I am so glad you chose to share this moment with the Community. Through the trials, bumps, issues, and problems, it's easy to lose sight of what is good - love, family, and memorable experiences. Remember this one as you face 2018 and anything that comes your way. Keep your head up and keep going.

Shannon Emery

Isn't it funny how looking at something different can change your perspective, Nichole? Even through a camera lens! That's really awesome though - feel free to send a snapshot or two my way so I can also take a look. And RE takes no offense to fresh air and new experiences  

Faith Gould

My best memory of 2017 was the trip my husband and I took to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The scenery was indescribable. And we saw lots of wildlife including a bear, antelope, lots of bison, and a mule deer.

Shannon Emery

That's so cool, Faith! That's definitely on my bucket list - there's even so much to see here in the US too.

Shannon Emery

And congrats to Nichole for being a random winner of last week's Community Happenings! I loved that each of you took the time to respond - I'm getting to know each of you even more and that makes this Community Manager's heart happy. 

Joanne Felci

Congrats Nichole!!  Sorry I'm late on responding Shannon - a few snow days here in Boston last week so I'm catching up. My favorite 2017 memory is buying a house (moving into the house not so much...or getting ready to move into the house).

Shannon Emery

No worries, Joanne! Here in Charleston we had some snow as well - basically shut down the city! I can only imagine what it's like in Boston - please stay warm.