CFC Live Blogging, General Session: John Lazar, Executive Director

John Lazar, Executive Director of the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area. John introduced Michelle Killian, of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who sung our National Anthem. John set the stage for the rest of the day, telling participants that they will hear success stories from the campaign, best practices for fundraising, and express how important it is to care for each other around the world. John noted how the CFC empowers people to make a difference. One of the themes of the conference is that “hope is the greatest gift at all”. John announced that last year the CFC raised over 67 million for communitie around the world.

The CFC was founded by President Kennedy to bring hope to those in need. Over the years, the CFC has spread over 7 billion dollars to those in need. John expressed that the conference will explain why the work is so important, success stories and inspire people to give. Breakout sessions will give a key worker handbook and new fundraising guide, and provide online materials and e-giving strategies.

John explained the structure of the CFC, this was covered in an earlier break out session that I attended, you can check out the post here or take a look at the CFC website.

John closed with a powerful quote, “Hope is not pretending that troubles don’t exist, it is the hope that they wont forever hurt and wont be healed and difficulties will come and that we will be let out of the darkness and into the sunshine.”