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X-WR-CALNAME:Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan Chapter
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T074500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260529T090000
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SUMMARY:Inclusive Events in Practice
DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\n\n\n\nInclusive events don’t happen by accident—they are intentionally designed to ensure everyone feels welcomed and respected. \n  \nRegister Here\n\n\n\n\nDescription: \nInclusive events don’t happen by accident—they are intentionally designed to ensure everyone feels welcomed\, respected\, and able to fully participate. This educational session explores how accessibility\, inclusive language\, dietary considerations\, and service animal awareness intersect to create experiences that honor the diverse needs of attendees. \nParticipants will learn practical\, real-world strategies for planning and hosting events that remove barriers rather than unintentionally creating them. From physical access and communication practices to understanding service dogs and accommodating dietary needs\, this session equips organizers with tools to embed inclusion into every stage of event planning. The goal is not perfection\, but progress—creating spaces where people feel seen\, safe\, and valued. \nPresenter: Ashley Diersch\, CFRE \nAshley Diersch is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader\, storyteller\, and strategic fundraiser whose work is rooted in two core values: joy and justice. As Chief Advancement Officer at Paws With A Cause\, she leads fundraising\, marketing\, and communications for a national organization that provides custom-trained assistance and facility dogs to people with disabilities—empowering greater independence\, confidence\, and equity. \nFor nearly two decades\, Ashley has built a career at the intersection of heart and strategy. She’s led teams through multimillion-dollar campaigns\, rebrands\, and advocacy initiatives—always ensuring that equity is not just a goal\, but a guiding principle. Known for her ability to blend data-driven planning with emotionally resonant messaging\, Ashley mobilizes donors\, boards\, and communities with clarity\, creativity\, and conviction. \nShe holds a Communications degree from the University of Michigan and advanced leadership degrees from Lawrence Technological University and Central Michigan University. A CFRE since 2023\, Ashley also served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan and has been recognized as the 2025 West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards People’s Choice Winner\, a 2025 Notable Leader in Philanthropy\, a 2021 MPWRD Influential Minority Leader\, 2018 Athena Young Professional Finalist\, and 2018 YNPN GR Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year. \n  \nLocation: Paws with a Cause\, 4646 Division Ave S\, Wayland\, MI 49348\, Training Classroom in Building C
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/inclusive-events-in-practice/
LOCATION:4646 Division Avenue South\, 4646 Division Avenue South\, Wayland\, MI\, 49348\, United States
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://afpwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/events.png
ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T074500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260619T090000
DTSTAMP:20260525T031320
CREATED:20260511T150514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T132338Z
UID:10000149-1781855100-1781859600@afpwm.org
SUMMARY:Building a Planned Giving Program from the Ground Up
DESCRIPTION:Overview\n\n\n\n\nBuilding a Planned Giving Program from the Ground Up” explores practical steps to launch and grow a sustainable legacy giving program. \nRegister Here\n\nDescription: \nStrengthen your organization’s future through professional development and engagement with seasoned philanthropy officials in our breakfast session designed for development professionals and teams of any size\, offering practical guidance on building a successful estate planning program from the ground up. Learn proven strategies to engage your constituency in considering legacy society participation while cultivating meaningful\, mutually beneficial relationships with area estate planning attorneys that enhance credibility\, trust\, and long-term philanthropic impact. \nPresenters: \nMark DeWitt\, CFRE\, Chief Advancement Officer\, Evergreen Commons \nMark has been working in philanthropy for the past 21 years\, beginning a career in corporate and foundation relations at Hope College and advancing through progressive leadership roles. He has been at Evergreen Commons for three years\, building infrastructure and leadership for a fledgling estate planning program embedded in a comprehensive campaign. \nAbby Reeg\, CFRE\, Executive Director Fund Development\, Holland Hospital \nAbby’s nonprofit career started during a student internship at a hospice organization\, where she learned that estate plans are for everyone age 18 and older. She has worked in the West Michigan nonprofit sector for over 30 years. During this time\, Abby founded three planned giving programs\, secured gifts from estate plans\, and has had the privilege of working for two well-developed programs to be able to see the results of what long-term successful planned giving programs can do. \nLocation: Holland Evergreen Commons\, 480 State Street in Holland\, parking encouraged near Central and 20th Street lots\, Enter Door A \n480 State Street in Holland\, parking encouraged near Central and 20th Street lots\, Enter Door A
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/building-a-planned-giving-program-from-the-ground-up/
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
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ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260724T074500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260724T090000
DTSTAMP:20260525T031320
CREATED:20260511T151236Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T151236Z
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SUMMARY:How to Fail at Fundraising: Failing Forward Together
DESCRIPTION:Description: \nAn interactive session designed to be fun and educational! Bring the story of your biggest fundraising failure and we’ll laugh and learn together. At the end of the session we will vote on the best one. There will be a PRIZE! \nPresenters: You! AFPWM committee members will facilitate and participate as well. \nRegister Here\n\nLocation: Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown\, 310 Pearl St. NW\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49504
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/how-to-fail-at-fundraising-failing-forward-together/
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
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ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260828T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T031320
CREATED:20260511T151530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T152652Z
UID:10000151-1787907600-1787914800@afpwm.org
SUMMARY:Seven Rules of Self Esteem for the Fundraising Professional
DESCRIPTION:Description: \nThriving in the nonprofit sector requires resilience and confidence. This inspiring webinar introduces seven actionable rules to boost self-esteem and maintain a positive outlook in the face of challenges. Discover how to nurture your personal growth while excelling in your professional role. \nLearning Outcomes: Understand the link between self-esteem and professional success. Learn strategies for building and sustaining confidence in your work. \n\n\n\n\nRegister Here\n\nPresenter: \nKen Miller\, CFRE\, is a best-selling author\, dynamic speaker\, and transformative business leader whose powerful life story continues to motivate professionals and communities across the country. As the author of Becoming Ken\, he shares his riveting journey from addiction and adversity to personal and professional triumph\, offering a candid blueprint for leadership\, resilience\, and reinvention. With over two decades of experience and the prestigious CFRE credential\, Ken brings both authority and authenticity to every engagement. \nKen is the founder and CEO of Denali FSP\, a nationally respected fundraising consultancy\, and AIVAlution\, a pioneering firm that merges AI with global virtual talent to streamline operations for businesses and nonprofits alike. He has spoken in over 25 states\, trained thousands of professionals\, and helped raise more than $500 million for mission-driven organizations. Whether he’s mentoring emerging leaders\, guiding nonprofits through transformational change\, or speaking from the stage\, Ken leads with purpose\, impact\, and heart. When he’s not speaking or strategizing\, Ken mentors young men and explores new destinations with purpose. \nLocation: Muskegon Community College\, 221 S Quarterline Rd\, Muskegon\, MI 49442\, Stevenson Building\, Room 2323
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/seven-rules-of-self-esteem-for-the-fundraising-professional/
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
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ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T133000
DTSTAMP:20260525T031320
CREATED:20260330T173146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T201401Z
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SUMMARY:National Philanthropy Day
DESCRIPTION:REGISTER HERE\n\nCelebrated across the United States\, NPD is a longstanding tradition in our region where we recognize and honor the generosity\, leadership\, and commitment of those who strengthen our community through philanthropy. \nSCHEDULE \n8:30am – 11:30am: Mini-Conference (includes light bites and coffee) \n-Session A: 9:00am – 10:00am \n-Session B: 10:15am – 11:15am \n11:30am – 12:00pm: General Networking \n12:00pm – 1:30pm : Luncheon & Awards
URL:https://afpwm.org/event/putting-the-ai-in-fundraising-a-facilitated-discussion/
LOCATION:Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park\, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49525
CATEGORIES:Friday Breakfast Group
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://afpwm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NPD-Logo.png
ORGANIZER;CN="AFP West Michigan":MAILTO:areeg@hollandhospital.org
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