It is an honor for me to be joining the Cabrini Mission Foundation as its new Vice President of Development. I hope you will bookmark our website and return frequently for updates on all the amazing happenings at the Cabrini Mission Foundation and the Cabrini programs and institutions your generosity supports!

Due to your kindness and benevolence, and so many others like you, the CMF is able to nationally expand our fundraising scope. As a professionally fundraiser for over 11 years, I go to work each day with the mantra of “Relationships Determine Results.” We need you to help us spread the word about the efforts of the Missionary Sisters. One of my many goals is to continue to educate individuals about the incredible work accomplished by the Missionary Sisters. As a born-and-bred Brooklynite, my mother has always been devoted to Mother Cabrini. I feel like I am coming home.

Please know that your generosity, no matter the amount, is crucial in our efforts to support the many Cabrini institutions and programs of the Stella Maris Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In fact, if you have yet to make a gift in 2008, I hope this inaugural New Developments column will serve as an incentive to do so.

Please feel free to e-mail me at NVendikos.Cabrini@gmail.com or call me at 212-228-8344. I’d like to use this update to answer some questions that others have asked me during my first month at CMF:

When is the Gala?
In a very short time, the Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala has become one of the pre-eminent fundraising dinners in New York City. The Gala, which is usually slated for the late Fall, is planned to be reschedule for the Spring of 2009. Please check this website, as well as your mail for further details on this important event.

How do I become a member of the Mother Cabrini Legacy Society?
The Mother Cabrini Legacy Society is the CMF’s “Planned Giving” group as its gifts are designated for the Foundation’s future support of Cabrini institutions and programs. Gifts can be made through trusts, charitable gift annuities, bequests, life insurance and real estate. These types of gifts to the CMF qualify an individual for lifetime membership into the Legacy Society.

While planned giving is an essential part of our fundraising efforts, we also ask those benefactors interested in becoming Legacy Society members to continue their support of our annual fund with gifts of cash or stock. Unrestricted contributions allow our Board to designate financial support of Cabrini programs where it is most needed.

Can I host a fundraising reception?
This question is always music to my ears! If you would like to host a reception, please do not hesitate to contact me at 212-228-8344 or via e-mail at NVendikos.Cabrini@gmail.com. Often supporters host local gatherings to inform friends, family members and colleagues about the tremendous work done by the Stella Maris Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These events allow CMF to expand its network of support while at the same time educate the public on the institutions and programs of healing, teaching and caring that are synonymous with Mother Cabrini.

In closing, I thank you for your continued generosity and support. I look forward to hearing from and/or seeing you at one of our regional gatherings in the months to come. I hope you and your family enjoy the summer! God Bless!

To make a gift on-line please visit http://www.cabrinifoundation.org and click on “Donate.” Thank you!