[Click HERE for photos] As the tough economic conditions continue, fundraising professionals are searching for new ways to meet their budgets and grow their organizations.

The �2 Day Fundraising Retreat,� a joint production by H. Leiner & Co, and Bottom Line Marketing Group, just took place on Wed-Thur. July 22-23 at the Oppenheimer’s Regis Hotel in Fleischmanns, NY.

A particular highlight (especially noted during the 3 weeks) was the participation and camaraderie from the cross-section of Orthodox Jewry: Belz, Satmar, Lubavitch, Sephardic, and Yeshivish mosdos and organizations were all represented. Attendees were from Dallas, Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, Boston, Scranton and the tri-state area.

The all-star lineup of presenters included: Herschel Leiner of H. Leiner & Co., Rabbi Doniel Y. Neustadt, Chairman of the Vaad HaRabanim of Detroit and author of The Weekly Halachah Discussion Series, Rabbi Tzvi Bider, Executive Director of the Chicago Center for Torah & Chesed, Yitzchok Saftlas of Bottom Line Marketing Group and Yehoshua Leiner, noted historian. Additional presentations were by Rabbi Yonah Weinrib of Judaica Illuminations and Rabbi Tzvi Chaim Pincus of Tiferes Stam.�

One topic that captured much attention was about online fundraising opportunities. A soon-to-be-released fundraising website solution designed specifically for yeshivas and non-profits, called DonorGiftsOnline.com was introduced.� Other topics covered were: running effective dinners, successful direct mail campaigns, time management and donor retention techniques, and fundraising on a reduced budget.

A touching comment from Mrs. Rivkah Weiss of The Toronto Cheder summed it up best, �This conference exceeded my most optimistic expectations.� I just feel bad for anyone who was not able to make it.� Every mosad deserves to benefit.� Have it again!�

Yes, plans are in the works for the next seminar. For further information, please contact Esther 718-412-3520 or [email protected].

(YWN Desk – NYC)