By Linda Zelig
MnSF Development Manager

Every month, right on schedule, Sue sends her monthly donation to the Federation. It seems a princely amount considering dwindling income sources for most seniors. Then there's Don who receives the same four to five appeals that every other member and affiliate in this organization receives. He responds to every appeal with an equally generous gift. Another member, Richard, never fails to ask when the next appeal is arriving. More important, he wants to know the response - what kind of income did a particular appeal generate. Richard, why are you so concerned about outcomes for each fundraising appeal when you haven't responded in some time? "Well," he answered, "that's because I only give once a year to the Annual Year-End Campaign."

I've seen other Federation members respond more heartily to one appeal or another depending on their particular passions or interests. Dale is concerned with Medicare justice and gives more significantly to that campaign than others. Lynn loves to direct additional dollars to the appeal that funnels money back into programs of the Federation, especially programs that promote health care access and education.

The legislative appeal letter should be arriving in your mail soon. During the time the state legislature remains in session, the Minnesota Senior Federation will lead informed delegations of seniors who attend committee meetings, give testimony, and meet with legislators and elected officials to effect change. Much of this work is made possible by your generous gifts. How do you want the Federation to speak on your behalf?

I know Barbara is going to perk up and send in her gift to the legislative appeal pronto. She'll show up at the committee meetings, too, and have an opinion about what policies this organization should be influencing. Don will do his part. Sue won't respond to this appeal, but her check will arrive this month and be used to support the Federation programs. Richard...well, we'll parcel out his annual gift very carefully. In the end, it all adds up to one huge gift to the senior community. Thank you.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can support programs for seniors in Minnesota, either through direct donations or through appreciated stocks or other investments, please call me at 651/783-5006 or toll-free 877/645-0261 ext. 5006. I'd love to talk with you.