I am AFP

Throughout the year, an AFP member shares information about their role as a fundraiser in our community and how they become involved with the AFPCCC chapter. Our newest interview features Rachelle Doyle, Director Of Advancement at Sacramento Country Day School, who is new to the fundraising field and enjoying gaining experience making an impact for our region.

September 2018 - Rachelle Doyle

What inspired you to enter the fundraising field?

I started out my career in marketing and advertising. I was always interested in studying how we can influence our society on a mass level using creative messaging. I was lucky to work for Image Orthodontics for eight years, where they let me explore and build the ideas of marketing through philanthropy. We got the opportunity to build the company through storytelling of how we were serving in our community, building relationships, and creating a way to serve a broader community. Through working at Image, I had the opportunity to learn to start a nonprofit, experience being a corporate sponsor, a donor, and a volunteer. In my personal life, I began chaplain work at the youth detention facility, started traveling to 3rd world countries doing missionary work, and got offered a wonderful opportunity to serve on the board for Reading Partners of Sacramento. 

I felt connected to the nonprofit world, so when the position came up to join Sacramento Country Day School as their Director of Advancement, I was excited to fully immerse myself in the fundraising field. 

Where do you go if you have a fundraising question?

If I have a fundraising question, I reach out to a tree of people that have been supportive and a great help to me. I appreciate AFP for providing me networking opportunities and I've joined Impact Foundry as well. I have several friends and mentors in the nonprofit sector and I am taking the UC Davis extension program for fundraising and development. Taking courses has also proved to be very useful for me. 

Where do you want your fundraising career to go?

I am enjoying my role right now with Sacramento Country Day School and building sustainability and relationships that can grow the school long into the future. 

What is your proudest moment as a fundraiser?

My proudest moment as a fundraiser was my very first mission trip. I had no clue about development work, I just wanted to go help another country to get water and knew I couldn't do it on my own. I remember being embarrassed to ask people for help, but I sent out letters and prayed for the best. Seeing my friends, family, co-workers, and their friends rally together and raise way over the amount needed was so inspiring. There was this moment that showed how easy it is to accomplish something if everyone does a little, and how many people really do want to help make the world a better place anyway they can. I was blown away by how many people believed in me enough to give so that I could be the feet and arms in the country to accomplish the project they were invested in. It really showed me who we can be.