ON THE BLOG

Episode One | Welcome to the Podcast

podcast Jan 27, 2023
Hey Fundraiser Podcast

Hey Fundraiser!

Today, my first podcast episode goes live. It's a huge milestone for me professionally and personally to put together the Hey Fundraiser podcast. To be honest, it's a little outside my comfort zone. Throughout my fundraising career, I preferred when other people shined -- the program experts, the donors, the executive directors.  In a job interview years ago, I was asked, "if you were in a band, what member would you be?" I said lighting. 

However, over the last 10 years as a major gift coach, I've come to the realization that I love helping fundraisers shine. To reach more fundraisers and help them reach their goals, I need to put myself out there. So, I'm being brave. It's funny to me that I'm totally fine with cultivating and soliciting multi-million dollar commitments, but the thought of putting out a podcast sends shivers down my spine. 

In this first podcast, I tell you my story of how I came to love fundraising. You'll learn a lot about my career in that podcast, but I thought I would share a couple personal things so we could get to know one another. 

  • Upper-Left lover. Even though I was born in the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest will always be my home. I try not to leave if I can help it, and if I have to, it's not for very long.
  • Dog mom. If I could spend more time playing with my dogs, Matt and Debra, I would! They bring so much joy into my life.
  • Soccer super-fan. I love watching soccer, especially the Seattle Sounders and Manchester United. When the World Cup is on, I am almost unreachable.
  • Playlist of a teenaged girl. I can never have enough pop songs on my playlist. And, yes, I dance around my office to Taylor Swift while cleaning up databases.
  • Minimalist to the core. My husband and I lived in a 280 square foot 5th wheel for 7 years....and we're still married. We visited 34 states. Now that we have a house to fill with stuff, it's empty.
  • Voracious reader. I read for at least an hour every day and probably crush 80 books a year. Ken Follett is my favorite author, and I read everything he writes. 
  • 204 pine trees. That's how many Ponderosa pine trees there are on my property. It smells heavenly, and I try to spend as much time on my front porch as possible. A client recently asked me if the 204 trees each had a unique constituent ID. 
  • Fundraiser for life. I have and always will be a fundraiser or help other fundraisers be successful. 

About Mary Hackett


Mary Hackett is a vibrant and engaging powerhouse in the world of major gift expertise, with a sparkling career steeped in the intricacies of fundraising operations. Residing in the picturesque town of Bend, Oregon, Mary's professional journey is as lively and inspiring as her scenic surroundings. Her extensive experience in fundraising is marked by a unique blend of strategic insight and a contagious enthusiasm that has consistently propelled organizations to new heights of success. With a knack for connecting with people and a deep understanding of the nuances of philanthropy, Mary has become a sought-after expert in her field. Her approach to fundraising is not just about meeting targets; it's about building relationships, weaving stories, and creating impactful experiences that resonate with donors and communities alike. In Mary's world, every fundraising campaign is an adventure, filled with opportunities to make a meaningful difference while having a whole lot of fun along the way. Want to work with Mary? 

>>> Click here to schedule a 30-minute chat!

 
Learn more at www.maryhackett.co