Many of you participated in our 25 Days of Cheer holiday contest and shared your wisdom on volunteer fundraising and philanthropy. Herewith, we share a few highlights from various member posts. It’s not too late to share an answer! Just click on the question to submit your nugget of knowledge.

1. Which Charitable Organization Should People Know More About?

“I really find this charity empowering in a very touching way: www.puppiesbehindbars.com. It transforms lives of prisoners and returning disabled American war veterans. I love it!” – Sandra Keros

2. What is an online website you use to research and learn about philanthropy and fundraising?

“I typically look at other non-profits and what they are doing to support the community. I really like the work done by our very own Hands-on-Bay-Area for individual impact; and for a larger scope, I check out groups like Tides: www.tides.org.” – Kailen Neff

www.charitynavigator.org; www.onphilanthropy.com – Kristina Pollack

3. What is the Best Live Auction Item You Have Seen or Heard Of?

“A year of dining at some of the city’s best restaurants – reservations and gift certificates!” – Libby Leffler

4. What Is the best original and unique charity event theme?

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” – Sandra Foster Lovas

“Time for our Troops event – an event that promotes volunteering our time as a way to say thank you to those who serve our country. People would pledge to volunteer based on the wishes and causes that service men and women care about.” – Audrey Alison

5. What is a Valuable Lesson Learned From Volunteering?

“That everyone is , what?…VOLUNTEERING! That means that we are all there for the same goal: To make the event spectacular. Many times I think leaders forget this simple fact; thus, volunteers are treated rudely and disrespectfully. Mind you this behavior may be rare, but when it does it slightly burns my hide. No matter if you are working along side paid staff or those who are volunteering their valuable time, treat them well, have fun, remember why you are there in the first place. One should enjoy themselves because if they do they will always come back to help (and tell their friends).” – Blossom T. Barnes

“When I was in Ethiopia last year doing vlounteer work with AIDS orphans at The Selamta Family Project, I realized that I had a lot of misconceptions about what people/children in need actually need. I thought they needed food, clothing, educations….what they really needed was family, support, loving homes.” – Tara Sharp

“One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is the act of selflessness. Giving yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for someone else!” – Hillary Leffler

Want some more fun in fundraising? Wander around our Philanthropy archives.