Wanna learn how to raise money with fewer resources?

COCO offers you the opportunity to attend an AFP Audio Conference titled “Annual Campaigns – Raising More Money with Fewer Resources.”

It will take place on May 18, 2011 4:00 pm at the Strom Center

The presenter is Erik J. Daubert, MBA, ACFRE who has great experience in this area.

The conference is sponsored by American Family Insurance Howard Sharpe Agency, Inc.

Attendees can earn 1.5 Continuing Education Units for the CFRE program!

This event is free for COCO members, $25 for non-members.

Remember that this is a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field of fundraising for free or with a great discount!

For more information or to register one week in advance, contact: Mohammad at Mohammadh@dlnconsulting.com or 701 483 2801.

See you all there

Upcoming Audio Conference

Reserve Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. for The Truth about what Nonprofit Boards Want: Passion and Partners audio conference to be held at the Strom Center in Dickinson.

COCO (Coalition of Charitable Organizations) will be holding educational opportunities via audio conference for non-profit training. This audio will be presented by June Bradham, CFRE. The sponsor for the event is ABLE, Inc. COCO’s educational opportunities are free to COCO members, $25 for non-members.

For more information or to register one week in advance, contact: Lydia DeJesus at 701-483-2801 or lydia@dlnconsulting.com

Member Highlight: Assumption Abbey

Assumption Abbey located in Richardton, ND was built in the early 1900’s, and is a North Dakota landmark that is visible for hundreds of square miles. The Benedictine Monks of Assumption Abbey are a community of religious men, baptized in Christ, and vowed to continue the mission of His Church. They are called Benedictines because they follow the rule written by St. Benedict in the early 6th century. This rule gives the monks a framework by which they can dedicate their lives to seeking God and living in community.

The main job of the monks is to pray, as they gather for prayer four times a day in the church with these liturgies being open to the public. They also have jobs inside and outside of the Abbey. Some monks work outside as pastors, professors, and chaplains. Those who work inside are musicians, administrators, tailors, ranchers, famers, librarians, etc…

The Abbey is a host to a number of groups throughout the year. These include:
• Deacon formation
• Beginning Experience
• Episcopalian clergy and deacons
• Various quilter and scrapbooking groups
• Etc…

The Abbey does have extensive lawn and gardens. They also have a gift shoppe that carries many of the items made by the monks from pottery, rosaries, and Abbey soap. For more information please go to http://assumption abbey/ or contact them at 701-974-3315.

Audio Conferences provide 1.5 CEUs for the CFRE Program

COCO Audio Conferences provide our members with 1.5 Continuing Education Units for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Program. CFRE International (http://www.CFRE.org/) offers the only internationally-recognized baseline professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives.

CFRE lists the top ten reasons to become CFRE-certified as:

1. Increase Credibility
2. Improve Career Opportunities
3. Prepares for Greater Responsibility
4. Develops Skills and Knowledge
5. Yields Greater Earning Potential
6. Demonstrates Commitment
7. Enhances Professional Image
8. Reflects Achievement
9. Enriches Self Esteem
10. Fosters Peer Recognition

In the U.S., Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFRE) are said to earn more than their non-certified colleagues. To learn more about the certification process, go to http://www.AFPNet.org/.

Member Highlight: American Insurance Center

American Insurance Center is a Trusted Choice agency. It offers a broad selection of insurance policies, companies and financial services. American works with more than 40 highly rated companies to make sure you get the very best coverage and value.

Need help identifying what products and services are right for you, your family and your business? American Insurance Center is here for you. They can be reached at http://american insurance center/ or (701) 483-9104.

Member Highlight: Dickinson Catholic Schools

Dickinson’s Catholic School system has been able to provide an over 100-year tradition of virtue-based education. The Dickinson Catholic Schools (DCS) continues to see multiple generations of families come through its system. It offers challenging academics, fine arts programs, and sports. The goal is to help the students become well rounded individuals and leaders in their future.

Whether you are looking to excel in academics, fine arts or sports, DCS has a diverse and dedicated staff and faculty, and holistic approach to offering what they are looking for in a family-friendly environment. The mission is to educate the whole student – mind, body and soul.

For more information please go to http://dickinson catholic schools/ or call 701-483-6085.

Member Highlight: St. Benedict’s Health Center

St. Benedict’s started in 1946. They have changed owners over the years. It was returned to a non-profit Benedictine Sponsorship in 1989 by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota and renamed St. Benedict’s Health Center.

Several changes have been made to St. Benedict’s building. In 1999, a groundbreaking ceremony took place, beginning several projects: enhancing Alzheimer’s care by adding the Emmaus unit, adding St. Benedict’s Chapel, adding an End of Life Care Suite (Gardenview), and adding additional private rooms. In 2003, tenants began moving into the newly finished Benedict Court. Since that time, several projects have been accomplished through donor dollars, giving St. Benedict’s a more homelike feel and improving quality of life for our residents.

St. Benedict’s offers these quality services:
• Activities
• Alzheimer’s Care
• Culinary Services
• Rehabilitation
• Skilled Nursing Care
• Social Services
• Spiritual Care

Generations Child Daycare is an extension of the ministry and services of St. Benedict’s Health Center. Generations is open early morning hours and extended evening hours 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The children who attend Generations have the opportunity to enjoy intergenerational programming with their “grandpals” on a regular basis. If you would like to learn more about Generations, please contact the manager at (701)456-7377.

You can reach St. Benedict’s at (701)456-7242 or on the web at http://saint benedicts/