Every Cornerstone Walkway brick tells a story: Honoring leaders, celebrating generosity, and paving the way for continued excellence in education. Left: Brad Parker, current Board Chair, Middle: Lerii F. Smith, Founder of Project Partners Right: Shalyn Clark, Immediate Past Chair of Board
There’s something powerful about pausing to celebrate generosity—and even more so when that generosity comes in the form of tribute gifts. Recently, at a simple yet meaningful ceremony hosted by the HEB ISD Education Foundation, donors gathered to share why they chose to honor someone special through their giving. The event was held at the Pat May Center at HEB ISD, where the Cornerstone Walkway serves as a lasting tribute to those recognized through honorarium or memorial bricks.
Why does this matter? Because tribute gifts are more than financial contributions, they represent stories of gratitude, memory, respect, and love. When nonprofits create opportunities for donors to make tribute gifts and then take the time to celebrate those gifts, they deepen relationships that strengthen their mission.
Project Partners’ recent annual gifts to the foundation had been made as tribute gifts in honor of the education foundation board members and the former board chair, so we were given the opportunity to say a few words at the ceremony. This accompanying photo shows me standing with the current chair of the board, Brad Parker, and the immediate past chair of the board, Shalyn Clark.
That, in and of itself, was a joy, and speaking aloud about why we chose to honor these leaders was very meaningful—and we weren’t alone. Other donors shared heartfelt stories, including one representative from a local corporation whose employees had selected the foundation for a gift from their employee giving funds. Until then, we had not met this donor, who spoke eloquently about the incredible school district and the leadership of its superintendent and their reason for giving to the foundation —without realizing the superintendent was in the audience! It was an unscripted moment of affirmation for the district’s commitment to excellence in education – and it was made possible because of this strong district/education foundation partnership – and the choice to take time for this ceremony.
These special moments didn’t happen by accident. They occurred because the foundation:
Created and promoted the tribute brick gift opportunity for donors giving $250 or more through the annual giving campaign.
Reached out personally to invite those donors to attend the ceremony.
Encouraged those donors to share their stories about their honorees and their reasons for giving. (BTW, this was the brilliant idea of our immediate past board chair, Shalyn, who is one of the best donor relations board volunteers we’ve ever had the pleasure of teaming with.)
The result? A Cornerstone Walkway ceremony full of inspired donors, grateful education foundation board members, and district staff. The education foundation board meeting that followed began on a high note and culminated in a spontaneous announcement from a key donor pledging to renew their gift after witnessing an incredible mission moment from a grateful educator who had received an investment in her innovative teaching. That’s intentional donor relations at its best – and it’s one of the most fun parts of fundraising!
As we approach the end of the year, here’s some good advice:
The holidays and season of giving and other annual touchpoint opportunities like Valentine’s Day, Teacher or Nurses Appreciation Day, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and others like them put many in a sentimental, generous mood.
Encourage tribute gifts. Celebrate them. Make space for donors to share their stories. These moments don’t just honor individuals, they keep memories alive and provide donors with meaningful giving opportunities at a time that is important to them, creating lasting connections.
What are you doing or planning to do to offer tribute gift opportunities, recognize donors, engage them with your mission, and invite them to share why they give? We’d love to hear your stories!
Happy Holidays, Year-end Giving, and Beyond! Thanks for all you do!