Beth Ann Locke
Director, Advancement
Simon Fraser University
@FundraiserBeth​

Beth Ann Locke

As soon as I entered the world, I sought connection.

I smiled at each stranger, pet every dog, made friends, and dove into some relationships deeply. I love to discover a person’s story and learn how it intersects with mine.

I found my calling at a conference, three months into my first fundraising job. The keynote speaker was John Lewis, the civil rights leader, talking about how fundraisers’ work fuels the movements that change the world. And how giving could change everything. Then and there, I knew.

I now understand the power of philanthropy. I enjoy helping donors unfold their own stories and realize the joy of giving.

I’m a mother, a traveler, a partner and an adoptee. Our stories shape us, and we shape our stories.

One of my favorite storytellers is...

...Raymond Carver, the poet and author.

He’s not the sort of storyteller who keeps you in suspense; instead, he’s the sort where you feel the words came straight from your own marrow.  My favorite story that displays his genius is, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Here’s a shorter poem.

HAPPINESS

So early it’s still almost dark out.
I’m near the window with coffee,

and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.
When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.
They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren’t saying anything, these boys.
I think if they could, they would take
each other’s arm.
It’s early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.
They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.
Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn’t enter into this.
Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,

any early morning talk about it.

My gift to you:

"9 to Thrive: Strategies to Build a Heart Happy Life and Career"​ [e-book]

Connect with me online:

website:  https://fundraiserbeth.com/

twitter: ​@FundraiserBeth

Connect with me in person:

I'll be presenting at the 2016 Nonprofit Storytelling Conference.  

Come join me. Click here