At the age of six, I had my first taste of fundraising — hosting a Muscular Dystrophy Association Carnival, complete with pin the tail on the donkey and water balloon toss.

Now, years later, I continue to help agencies and their good causes by inspiring the joy of giving as a professional fundraiser, currently as the Interim Development Director at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center.

Fundraising is one of the most effective tools we have for fostering social change. Fundraising connects people with the causes they care about, transforming the lives of individuals and communities around us. Because of this, I am blessed to be able to say "I love my job."

For a collection of regularly updated fundraising tips, topics and trends, be sure to visit my blog before you leave.