Local nonprofits get guidance on generating greater gifts

Local nonprofits get guidance on generating greater gifts: "You're not raising money for a building,' he told one of the 163 people in attendance who was beginning a capital campaign. 'You're raising money to change lives and save lives.'

In 31/2 hours, Panas imparted scores of lessons, each accompanied by a personal story that usually had the happy ending of a seven-figure gift for some nonprofit group.

There were pained expressions among those at the National Philanthropy Day gathering when he told them that all gifts of $100 or more (and some even smaller) should be acknowledged with a personal phone call. The story explained why."