Love Serving Autism Case Study
BACKGROUND
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix founded Love Serving Autism (LSA) in 2017. Pugliese-LaCroix, a former tennis pro and speech therapist, wanted to combine her passions and help those on the autism spectrum. She created a specialized program combining adaptive tennis with therapeutic life skills for children and young adults. Through this inclusive program, teaching tennis and life skills on and off the court, athletes are able to improve motor skills, increase their self esteem and enhance their social skills. This program was an instant success; however, with 1 in 44 children being diagnosed with a form of ASD, there are many more children who could benefit from LSA programs
THE CHALLENGE
Lisa knew it was time for LSA to expand and to do so, needed to focus on fundraising efforts. She contacted us in November 2020. The most LSA had raised with any fundraising event was $10-$12K hosting local tennis tournaments. LSA had volunteers, parents and community partners all willing to help, but the question was, how could this all be coordinated to elevate fundraising revenue while creating long term and sustainable results? After all, bringing the community together through fundraising and events was not Lisa's "cup of tea'. For LSA to grow it was going to take putting trust in those with the experience and expertise and a willingness to step outside Lisa's comfort zone.
THE APPROACH
The initial plan was to start small and enhance revenue through tennis tournaments. However; after a month of consulting calls, we realized LSA had unrealized resources. Together with Lisa, we initialized a new plan to follow Etavele Solution’s C.A.M.P (Community Ambassador Mission Program) Ambassador style fundraising plan. The goal was to create an annual, sustainable community based campaign with a culminating, mission based, fundraising event. Year one: raise $100K, and raise awareness, bringing people together to learn more about the mission of inclusion through Love Serving Autism, build a stronger board and increase LSA's volunteer base.
The RESULTS
- LSA surpassed initial fundraising goal by 284%, raising $384K at inaugural Match Point Gala.
- LSA Board of Directors increased membership by 80%, more than doubling the size of the board.
- Fundraising for 2nd Annual Match Point has already exceeded $100k
- Full scale, annual volunteer program was created and the volunteer base doubled.
- LSA hired a grant writer, lobbyist and research data specialist to explore other additional revenue sources and track therapeutic results and program impact.
- LSA developed an online certification course to train and certify coaches and therapists to ensure consistent LSA program implementation and to better understand children on the autism spectrum.
LSA believed in and implemented the C.A.M.P. model. The annual “Match Point Gala” has grown their fundraising, board involvement and community engagement. They raised awareness of their mission and organization, thus allowing the additional growth of programs. LSA has created an annual, sustainable mission and fundraising program, not only tripling the fundraising goal, but also inspiring many to be a part of this life changing mission and organization.
Etavele's planning and fundraising strategies lead to succe
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder, CEO Love Serving Autism
I was introduced to Vallye Adams in 2020 to assist my nonprofit, Love Serving Autism with consultation with board and program development and fundraising. As the founder, I am pulled in many directions and recognized the need to receive support from a nonprofit industry expert. Thanks to Vallye’s guidance, Love Serving Autism is growing b
I was introduced to Vallye Adams in 2020 to assist my nonprofit, Love Serving Autism with consultation with board and program development and fundraising. As the founder, I am pulled in many directions and recognized the need to receive support from a nonprofit industry expert. Thanks to Vallye’s guidance, Love Serving Autism is growing by leaps and bounds with a secure infrastructure to maintain and sustain its expansion. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with Vallye because Love Serving Autism can impact more families and communities with her passionate support for our mission!
Julie Allen, Founder
"Working with Etavele Solutions has been a game changer for our non-profit expansion. They helped us see clearly beyond our initial goals and put plans into action. They helped us effectively adapt and implement new strategies for growth during an incredibly challenging time period. We would not be where we are without the guidance and se
"Working with Etavele Solutions has been a game changer for our non-profit expansion. They helped us see clearly beyond our initial goals and put plans into action. They helped us effectively adapt and implement new strategies for growth during an incredibly challenging time period. We would not be where we are without the guidance and services provided by Etavele Solutions. It is clear they are a company that cares about their clients and we are so appreciative of all their impactful work."
Emily Purry, Founder
"Etavele was there for RAPID when we needed them. We were getting ready to celebrate our first Birthday and we needed someone with experience, knowledge, connections and time. Etavele fundraising consultants helped keep us on track, made sure we were posting on social media and helped advise our Board to be most successful on the day of
"Etavele was there for RAPID when we needed them. We were getting ready to celebrate our first Birthday and we needed someone with experience, knowledge, connections and time. Etavele fundraising consultants helped keep us on track, made sure we were posting on social media and helped advise our Board to be most successful on the day of the event. At our Birthday celebration we had fun, the event ran smoothly and our guests were so happy. Thank you Etavele for your help and support for our First Birthday Celebration."
Sarra Dennehy, State Director, Best Buddies New Hampshire
".... I had a very difficult time wrapping my head around doing a virtual gala when so much of our money we raise for the year comes through this important event. Vallye Adams brought such life, fun and professionalism to this virtual event! She is an expert fundraiser (add that to her long skill set) so she knew exactly how to get the
".... I had a very difficult time wrapping my head around doing a virtual gala when so much of our money we raise for the year comes through this important event. Vallye Adams brought such life, fun and professionalism to this virtual event! She is an expert fundraiser (add that to her long skill set) so she knew exactly how to get the energy moving in the right direction! Under Vallye’s support, we exceeded our fundraising goal during an international pandemic by $40,000!"
Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, Founder & CEO, Love Serving Autism
"Etavele Solutions, 'C A M P' program is an ambassador style fundraising campaign. Love Serving Autism’s 1st Match Point Gala, using the C A M P program, brought together our biggest supporters in 2022 which culminated in a wonderful fundraising event. Due to the structure and sustainability of the campaign, our organization can plan for
"Etavele Solutions, 'C A M P' program is an ambassador style fundraising campaign. Love Serving Autism’s 1st Match Point Gala, using the C A M P program, brought together our biggest supporters in 2022 which culminated in a wonderful fundraising event. Due to the structure and sustainability of the campaign, our organization can plan for our 2nd annual fundraiser in November 2023. I highly recommend working with Vallye if your nonprofit is ready to soar to new heights with fundraising and connecting donors to your organization’s mission."
Mary Campanello, CANDO Sports Director
“We greatly appreciate the work Etavele Solutions did for Cando Sports. Etavele helped us establish policies and procedures, as well as contributing to our board development and recruitment. Our first annual meeting and event fundraising platform were all extremely valuable to the growth and success of Cando sports.”
Chijo Takeda, Founder
Chijo Takeda, Founder
Chijo Takeda, Founder
"As a web agency specializing in working with nonprofits I am always looking for other providers in the nonprofit sector who can help my clients. Vallye fills a much needed gap for nonprofits with help for fundraising. I have referred my clients to Vallye for her valuable help."
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