Fundraising Advisory Council Expands

Contact:	Jon Krueger
Phone:	(404) 252-3663
Email:	jkrueger@kellencompany.com

ATLANTA – The National Association of Secondary School Principals has joined three other leading educational organizations to serve as advisors to the product fundraising industry concerning its practices and related issues.  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.  The Advisory Council also acts as a sounding board for AFRDS programs and activities.

Serving on the Council are:  Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the National Catholic Educational Association; Michael Blakeslee, associate executive director, Programs, National Association for Music Education; Gail C. Gross, associate executive director, Educational Resources and Marketing, National Association of Elementary School Principals; and Rocco Marano, director student activities, National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“Not-for-profit groups raise about $1.7 billion each year through product fundraising,” said Russell Lemieux, AFRDS executive director.  “This Council provides an important forum for the product fundraising industry and the organizations they serve to work together and even better address the financial challenges faced by schools, school groups, church and other youth groups.”

For more information on what to look for in a professional fundraising company and tips for fundraising success, visit www.afrds.org.

The Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers is an international association of more than 600 companies that manufacture, supply and distribute products that are re-sold by not-for-profit organizations for fundraising purposes. AFRDS members ascribe to the association's Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Practice.