Rosanne worked in Seattle for 22 years with non-profit agencies related to international relief, AIDS orphans, and vulnerable children. She is on the Board of Hedgebrook, a retreat facility for women writers, located on Whidbey Island. This is her first position in an art-related setting. She has an interest in art, lived in Italy for 11 years and has traveled extensively. She described her current position as “a new, different and fun job”.

Talking about the difference between her previous positions and working at MOG, she observes that people who donate to the Museum have a real passion about glass and want to leave an art legacy. She notes that there are a number of donors who have made multiple donations within a relatively short time, whereas many non-profit agencies in other fields receive donations mainly in response to a crisis or specific project.

THE ROLE OF THE ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT is to generate money through memberships, gifts, and events.

Rosanne sees a need to gather names and contact information of people who visit the Museum in order to generate future contacts, promote memberships, donations and create interest in future events.

When visitors come to the Museum, it is important to maximize their experience. “Fundraising equals communicating,” she said. “How do we market who we are?” Continuing to connect visitors to the Museum of Glass is the way to open up revenue streams to our Store, admissions, café and events.

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT: Marlene Lucas focuses on membership and gifts; Ashley Taublee works with the data entry and acknowledgement of gifts; Nick Johnson is responsible for the major fundraising event, Red Hot; Karen Clemens works to secure major gifts; Liza Holbrook and Sara McAtee are in charge of after-hours events; and the newest member Jody Suhrbier, is responsible for grants & prospect research. One of Rosanne’s goals is to train and cross-train everyone to create a strong and supportive team.

COLLABORATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS is ongoing and critical to growing the Museum’s base of support. The Marketing department’s role is to get the word out and attract visitors. Once they are here, it is the role of Advancement to create a way to make a connection for future visits, and ultimately, memberships and gifts.

There is a need to increase the number of booked events in the traditionally slow months of January through March. Plans are in the works to promote a “Wedding Giveaway” event. Gallucci’s and other local vendors will provide catering, cake and flowers, and the Museum of Glass will donate use of their space and their staff time. Newly designed promotional materials will be handed out at local bridal shows. A “must be there to win” event will be held at MOG where the winning entry will be drawn. What a way to showcase this venue!

Also in the talking stage is collaboration with the Store to offer customers an opportunity to add $1.00 to their purchase in support of the Museum. And why not have more than one donation box? Did you know that the amount collected from the box is about $500 per month?

When asked if the slumping economy has impacted MOG support, Rosanne said that no change has been seen yet. Attendance has increased, Store sales are right about the same, and membership is holding steady.

Regarding the impact of changing Fuse to online only, Rosanne said she sees a need have it once again mailed in some format and hopes that can be accomplished within a year or less.

PERSONAL NOTE: Rosanne enjoys the company of her two Scottish terriers and finds time to relax at her little cabin on Lopez Island.