Making a Difference - The Chi Omega Foundation
Sarah Hamilton: On the Road for Chi Omega
In 2007, when the Chi Omega Foundation Annual Fund
grew by 37 percent through gifts from across the nation,
the Board of Trustees needed to reach out to new donors,
existing supporters, and non-donors. Foundation
President Jane Rogers said, “We wanted our alumnae and
friends to know how much their support was appreciated
by keeping them updated on Foundation grants to the
Fraternity. We required a person who could literally hit
the ground running!”
Sarah Hamilton, Tau/U of Mississippi, was the perfect
Chi Omega for the task. After serving in senior management
for two full-service public relations agencies, plus
extensive work in development campaigns, she knew the
importance of personal contact and establishing partnerships
with donors.
Sarah’s days on the road begin early in the morning and
often go into the evening. Sarah visits Chi Omegas in
their homes, coffee shops, places of work, or anywhere
convenient for the donor. She has traveled to 25 states
during her two years with the Foundation. And she’s not
the only one who goes out of her way, to out of the way
places, to share the impressive outcomes made possible by
Foundation donors. Foundation alumnae volunteers and
staff made many donor visits during 2009, bringing the
total number of alumnae visited to more than 350 since
2007.
“One of my favorite things to ask a donor is what leads her
to give to Chi Omega,” Sarah said. “The answers vary, but
all include their pride in connecting to other Chi Omegas.”
One of these alumnae is Ann Bradshaw of Houston, who
has a passion for women’s leadership development. Working
with Sarah, Ann has underwritten two significant
Nancy Walton Laurie Leadership Institute of Chi Omega
programs: new topic development and the 2010 Flagship
Session for alumnae and collegians at the Executive
Headquarters.
Sarah said, “I don’t know of another job that would allow
me to develop personal relationships with some of the
most outstanding women in the nation.”
That’s the plus side of being the Foundation’s director of
development. The down side? Airports and delays!
If you would like more information about
Sarah and her planned travel schedule, contact
her at SHamilton@ChiOmega.com.
|