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DONOR AND EXECUTIVE RESPONSE |
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"Through your two estate concerts on behalf of Portland Opera, you have impressed our very sophisticated patrons with your sincere views on philanthropy by clearly articulating the joys and benefits of supporting causes close to ones heart. Our patrons have many opportunities to attend special events, and yet when invitations to your concerts are received, they respond with amazing speed and number. In fact, at the most recent concert, our limited space filled in record time. In partnering with Portland Opera, you have helped build stronger ties to our major donors and you planted the seeds of new relationships." - Sharon Benson, Manager of Individual Giving and Endowment, Portland Opera |
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"It is difficult to determine which element of your performance was the most enjoyable... your musical performance, your eloquent and emotional words, or the showing of art. All three were inexpressibly wonderful. You are truly a gifted and talented individual. What I have read about you and your performances in the past is true - your performance is a moving experience that does indeed change one's life. Your words on philanthropy and the importance of giving are ones that I will never forget. From my perspective as a fundraising professional, I can tell you that your message is one that all donors need to hear. You were able to point out what giving is really all about. From the tears in the eyes and the expressions on the faces of our donors that evening, I was able to tell that your message definitely made an impression. The next morning, our phones were ringing off the hook with donors calling to say what a wonderful time they had." - Carolyn Sentelik, Assistant Director of Development, Akron General Development Foundation |
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"Your commitment to enriching the lives of others is commendable. You are truly appreciated for all you have done. We are fortunate to have individuals who give so generously of their time and energy. Please accept my gratitude for making our state, and the world a better place." - Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida (Click Here to Read the Letter)
"Thank you for your generous giving of your talents. What an outstanding evening of education and entertainment that far surpassed any modest expectation I might have had. We strongly believe that because of you we have truly begun our capital campaign. The true meaning of 'one person can make a difference' lives now in all who had the privilege of meeting you." - Fred Schultz, Chief Executive Officer, Positively Kids
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"Without question you have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of our donors. I received rave reviews from the four concerts you performed in homes. Many donors expressed to me that they came expecting an entertaining, but rather dry, evening. What they were not expecting, and what pleasantly surprised them, was how much they laughed and what a great time they had. They left feeling they were well thanked for the work they had done. At the same time, they left inspired to do more. Your message of philanthropy touched our constituents profoundly. I can not help but to believe that your words, art, and music helped to solidify our relationship with our major donors, and that we will reap the benefits of your visit for years to come. You have made a major contribution to the future developmental health of our school." - Jay Ferguson, Head Master
"You are a profoundly generous man with a profoundly relevant message. I want to thank you for what was the most meaningful evening my wife and I have ever experienced with a nonprofit organization. More than anything, I thank you for reminding us in such a powerful way the difference we can make through our charitable giving." - Wesley Mission Donor |
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"On behalf of the people of Montana, I would also like to thank you for the time and energy you gave to service in our state. You have undoubtedly made a positive impact on the lives of many, and your efforts are to be commended." - Brian Schweitzer, Governor of Montana |
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"Your concert in Little Rock was moving and beyond words and be assured we consider your gift of music as a genuine source of inspiration. You really made us think about enhancing our role in charitable giving." - Pulaski Academy Donor |
"For years I have been receiving the mass fundraising letters from Union Rescue Mission. For years I have always responded sending $25.00 or $50.00. Your concert at The Regal Biltmore really put a face on the mission and vision at Union Rescue Mission for me. I was very surprised that I was not asked for money during the evening concert. You sent me home thinking and I realize that there is so much more that I could do in my giving to Union Rescue Mission. Christian, I pledge that I will make Union Rescue Mission a top priority in my giving from now on. You really made me feel like a partner in the effort to solve the problem of homelessness and your words, 'the problem of hopelessness'." - Union Rescue Mission Major Donor |
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"In my fifty-plus years of charitable giving, no nonprofit organization has ever treated me with such sincerity and honesty as I was treated last week. Union Rescue Mission has my support! All of it!" - Union Rescue Mission Donor
"As one who is known as a significant contributor to various non profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area, I am weary of being invited to every special event and social function held by every non profit in town. Truth is, these are nothing more than butter-me-up events in the hopes I will give money. Your evening concert was unlike anything that I have ever experienced. It was not just another special event but rather, I truly felt honored and appreciated. The most thoughtful part of your evening were your words. You are choice in your words and your ability to communicate the true meaning of philanthropy left me very emotional. I left grateful that I had attended and determined to become more focused in my giving. I was told you are 29 years old. Hard to believe. You related to the social elite of this old town with such grace and conviction." - Braddock Medical Center Donor |
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"As Governor of Utah, it is my priviledge to thank you for your outstanding service to our public school children, as well as many nonprofit organizations in Utah. Please accept my personal gratitude for the service you provide to others." - Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of Utah
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"Christian, your words last night to those of us in attendance were life altering. I don't think I could possibly remain the same individual after listening to you. I now understand my role in sharing the abundance that I have with those less fortunate. You showed me how I can make a difference by giving to Wesley Mission." - Wesley Mission Donor
"You are really a remarkable young man and extraordinarily gifted. What I thought would be an evening concert turned into a life calling of service to others. Everyone knew that you are exactly everything you were challenging us to become through our charitable giving. I still am amazed that you being so young you could inspire 80 old people like us. Thank you for your kindness." - Edgewood Children's Center Donor
"I was moved at your rendition of Amazing Grace. I chuckled as I realized you had quietly tucked it in among Segovia and Bach. As I listened to your beautiful strains of Amazing Grace, I was thoughtful and reminded that in giving to others, we practice a grace that is amazing. Thank you Christian, for your gentle and good heart. I was deeply moved and inspired." - David Packard, Hewlett
Packard, |
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"I want you to know that upon our return home after your concert, I sat down and promptly wrote a check to Mercy for $50,000.00. Your words will linger in my heart for the rest of my life." - Catholic Mercy Ministries Donor
"I have measured the results of the private concerts you did in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. You left our donors as inspired as I have ever seen them. You really excel with major donors." - The Sisters of Mercy
"The contribution to the future of Pulaski Academy is immeasurable. We have a new perspective on what real philanthropy should be. Without a doubt, parents and friends of the school felt honored and affirmed through your concert." - A. McIntosh, Headmaster, Pulaski Academy |
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"I am pleased to join in thanking you and honoring you for your contributions to our nation ... and designation as a Daily Point of Light for your Art in Schools program. Thank you for your commitment to education and your efforts to strengthen arts education." - Margaret Spellings, United States Secretary of Education |
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"A very significant evening for our donors and an even more significant evening for those guests who are not participating charitably with us. This is a very effective approach to major donor acquisition." - D. Polladian, Chairman Project Home Campaign, Union Rescue Mission
"The series of concerts held in private homes afforded a unique opportunity for our school to focus our major donor development efforts as we took our mission and vision into the community. In one week we had hundreds of new prospects who learned of our school in the gentle setting of the private home. Already we have seen over fifty new significant donors." - Jarold Hastings-Andrew,
Headmaster |
"In my opinion, your words and bearing are impeccable - the terms professional, gracious, articulate, sincere, convincing, generous and moving come to mind. Your superlative musical talent, impressive art collection and powerful philanthropic message is an unbeatable combination. In fact, it is magical." - Portland Opera
"What I thought was going to be another special event turned out instead to be a life changing event. In my years of involvement with nonprofit organizations, the series of concerts you did were thrilling evenings of inspiration for all of us. As a board member, this was the first time I was enthusiastic about inviting my friends to learn more about our school. You accomplished more in one week for us fundraising wise than we have accomplished in the prior twenty years." - R. Carlson, Board Member, Ridgemont High School
"In a day of tightening budgets and increased competition for the donor dollar, this is an approach whose time has come. This has to be the most creative approach to fundraising I have ever seen." - Dr. G. Moyes, Chief Executive Officer, Wesley Mission
"The most successful fundraising and p.r. campaign that we have ever undertaken." - Dr. D. Johnston, Executive Director, Wesley Institute |
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"Thank you for your generous gift of music. The evening was an overwhelming success. I am sure there will be much major gift support that will come to the hospital as a result." - Marlene Carlson, Director of
Development
"The evenings of lovely music that you provided and the important message of relationships that you provided will be critical as we attempt to build the role of the Heritage Health Foundation and expand our philanthropic giving." - Richard Benfer, Chief Executive Officer, Braddock Medical Center
"The performance was magnificent and gave me a whole new vision of how we can express to our donors how much we appreciate them as we continue to build friendships with them, as well as expand our base of friendships." - Board Member, City Team Ministries |
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"It was a very special experience for our group and it certainly was enormously well received by our guests. Our expectations were certainly met and exceeded. Thank you for taking part in our mission with us and for helping us create even more knowledgeable and motivated supporters." - Stuart C. Turgel, Senior Vice President, Lucille Salter Packard Children's Hospital
Without question Christian has an incredible impact upon our constituency. He communicated the true meaning of philanthropy with a message that was incredibly genuine and touched the hearts of all those who were present." - G.L., J.D., Director of
Development
"Your time in Little Rock had such a profound effect on all of us. The Pulaski Academy community was certainly touched by your beautiful music and message. What a wonderful way to bring people together and make them feel that they are a special part of the school." - Pulaski Academy Board Member |
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"This was probably the most important evening in our school history with respect to fundraising and donor relationships." - Board Member, Miami Christian School
"You are a master communicator. I learned more about fundraising by watching you in one evening concert than I have learned in the last ten years. Your ability to know where people are and to bring them to a place of giving is remarkable. You truly reflect your own heart and life to people." - David Hepburn, President, Ridgemont School |
 at the conclusion of a private concert with Christian Thomas Lee |
Audience members view the art at the conclusion of a concert |
"This was the most gentle, kind, sincere, honest evening any person could have experienced. I think tonight some very significant relationships were built with people outside of our school. There were so many here tonight who would have never met Miami Christian except for your gift of this evening's concert." - Former Miami Christian School Board Member |
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