Established in 1996 by the Association of Fund-Raisers Distributors and Suppliers (AFRDS), the Advisory Council works to foster cooperative relationships between the product fundraising industry and schools, school groups, and other not-for-profit organizations.  Advisory Council members serve as advisors to the product fundraising industry concerning its practices and related issues.  The Advisory Council also acts as a sounding board for AFRDS programs and activities. 

Serving on the AFRDS Advisory Council are:

Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association (www.ncea.org);

Michael Blakeslee, associate executive director, Programs, National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org);

Gail Connelly, executive director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (www.naesp.org); and

Rocco Marano, director student activities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (www.nassp.org).