The Curtis Group | Planning - Fundraising - Marketing
New home of The Hurrah Players, Inc.
Success Stories
Sugar Plum Bakery
After opening in 1987 to train and employ people with disabilities, Sugar Plum reached a pivotal point in 1999. Housed in a small, 60-year-old structure, the bakery had no room to expand programs and services.
Board members first tried to raise money for a new building without a strategically planned campaign, and the results were discouraging. So they brought in The Curtis Group to conduct a feasibility study.
Study results showed that the necessary funds could be raised. When the Capital Campaign was launched, the goal was $900,000. As gifts poured in, the board realized that a one-story building wouldn’t allow services to grow to the extent needed. Could the goal be raised to construct a two-story building?
The campaign’s rapid success told them the answer was yes. In 2002, a new $1.2 million goal was set, and not only was it soon reached, it was surpassed. The additional gifts secured in the campaign allowed Sugar Plum to add programs and create an endowment. In 2003, the bakery’s grand re-opening drew overwhelming support.
News
Philanthropy Journal publishes article by The Curtis Group’s Wendy McGrady.
Barrier Islands Center retains The Curtis Group to conduct a Campaign Planning Study.
Keith Curtis to present Giving USA 2010 data at Charlottesville’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Keith Curtis to moderate panel at the 2010 AZA Annual Conference in Houston, Texas next week.
“The greatest asset The Curtis Group brought to our fundraising effort was not only their clear and comprehensive understanding of the project, but of our entire organization, history and mission as well. From the feasibility study, all the way through the construction of our new facility, they were engaged every step. As expected with a great business partner, The Curtis Group continues to be involved with our direction and evolving needs. They should be very proud of their significant and ongoing contributions to our success.”
- Thad Nowak
- President
- Sugar Plum Bakery
- Virginia Beach, VA