The Birdathon, Columbus Audubon’s biggest fundraiser, has come to be a well-oiled machine, due in a large part to the commitment of Elaine Smith. She has stepped up at key moments to take responsibility for various Birdathon tasks and has been doing the lion’s share of the work for many years.
It started out innocently enough when she offered to help with the Birdathon celebration. Then she volunteered to create the forms we send to all the birders. Before she knew it, she stepped up for larger tasks. For many years now, Elaine has processed all the donor checks, which may sound like an easy task. And it could be, except that the Birdathon typically brings in over $10,000 each year! An additional bookkeeping task requires that each donor’s contribution must be matched to the team they are supporting. Because there are hundreds of donors, Elaine does a substantial amount of work. Furthermore, Birdathon isn’t over until the donors have been thanked, and Elaine generously volunteers to write and send those letters. Most of us think the Birdathon is over in May, but Elaine doesn’t take off her accountant’s visor until July. Thank you, Elaine, for your huge part in keeping the Birdathon rolling year after year.