Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Community leaders, business professionals, and friends gathered for Nonprofit Staten Island’s 13th Annual Conference Thursday, where more than 300 guests joined forces at the Hilton Garden Inn for a day of strategic learning and networking. Themed “Rooted & Rising,” the day-long event also marked the organization’s 20th anniversary and its dedication to the borough’s nonprofit sector. The celebration was one of great strides as the association provides resources, advocacy and support to member organizations. The mission of Nonprofit Staten Island is to build the capacity of the local businesses through a variety of programs that foster communication, collaboration, and leadership development through services like workshops, and coalition building, ensuring that local organizations can effectively serve the community. It also offers volunteer groups and networking opportunities, and enables leaders to share their best practices — as well as a way to learn by interacting with one another and exchanging ideas. THE DAY’S AGENDA The day featured a diversified lineup of workshops and panel discussions, focusing on building resilience and sustaining impact, laying the groundwork and essential operations — and explaining how great leaders attract great givers. Those in attendance were also afforded practical advice on how to help strengthen their organizations and cultivate new partnerships. REMARKS FROM THE PODIUM In his welcoming remarks, Alex Lutz, chair of the Conference Committee, noted: “As I look around the room at professionals and visionary leaders . . . today is a celebration of purposes. I hope today energizes you and challenges you and tells you why our work is so important. Thank you for being here and thank you for helping us share the next 20 years together.” Tatiana Sabatelli, executive director of Nonprofit Staten Island, commented on the way in which the present is an urgent time for nonprofits. “We see our sectors are being asked to do more with less. We are here everyday trying to build community. In honor of our 20th anniversary, we want to look and take stock. We have incredible leaders here, LauraJean Watters and Brian Laline. Today, will look at how we can have a more sustainable future for our borough.” FIRESIDE CHAT A Keynote Fireside Chat presented by Nonprofit Staten Island sponsor, A Chance in Life, was moderated by Sabatelli. The session brought together local leaders LauraJean Watters, executive director of the Staten Island Foundation, and Brian Laline, executive editor of the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com. Sabatelli offered accolades to the hundreds of guests who came out during a day of torrential rain. “We have over 300 guests present today who are registered to participate in a day of learning,” Sabatelli said. “It’s our 20th anniversary and we are trying to be reflective back to our roots as we rise together given all the different challenges we’re facing.” She would also go on to speak about the Diamond Matching Program, a grant initiative by the Staten Island Foundation that provides matching funds for non-profits on Staten Island — and encourages organizations to expand their fundraising capacity by matching new donations, often at a two to one ratio, The goal is to help local non-profits increase their funding for general operating costs and other initiatives. As the panel harkened back to 2005, the year Nonprofit Staten Island was founded, Laline described a little about the borough’s landscape and significant events that made headlines that year. “The Staten Island economy was stable then compared to the rest of New York,” he said. “Cesar Claro, then president of the SIEDC said we had to establish something to pull our nonprofits together. He said there was no voice for nonprofits, and an executive committee was formed. And now it’s been taken to another level with Tatiana. And a great nonprofit is about its executive director who makes the organization pop.” Waters commented that it’s amazing how fast 20 years have past, but some things will always remain the same. “The nonprofit sector is an economic engine,” she said. “We are coming to common grounds and seeing priorities with Staten Island spirit. We like to get together to share knowledge. It’s a real resource we’ve always had. And it’s part of our roots. And today, new leaders come with knowledge and are experts in today’s world.” HONOREES Joanne Gerenser was recognized with the Community Building award in recognition of her four decades of experience serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities as executive director of Eden II. The honoree for the Community Voice award was presented to Timothy G. Lynch. As president of the College of Staten Island, he has championed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. The conference also lauded Mary Rafferty, the executive director of Community Resources Staten Island, with the Community Response award. She has become a “driving force for inclusive, responsive support systems across the borough,” according to a statement from Nonprofit Staten Island. “Their professional accomplishments and dedication to the Staten Island community show why Dr. Gerenser, Dr. Lynch, and Mary personify the awards they are receiving on behalf of the nonprofit community. They have enriched so many lives and made Staten Island stronger,” said Alex Lutz, conference committee chair and vice president of public relations and marketing at Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. MORE ON THE ORGANIZATION Nonprofit Staten Island is an organization that represents 150 nonprofit groups across the borough. Their conference marked the 20th anniversary of the organization’s work. The conference was sponsored by Richmond University Medical Center, Comserv Connect, Con Edison and Empire State Bank.
