How It Started: A Look Back at the Launch of EE’s Champions Program
By Nicholas Dinges, board member, Emily’s Entourage
I’ve known Emily for 25 years now (we went to middle school, high school, and even college together!). But it wasn’t until 7 years ago that I began really engaging with Emily’s Entourage. I was enrolled in Villanova’s MBA program at the time, and part of our curriculum was a Nonprofit Practicum. Through that program, we had to pick a nonprofit and provide pro bono consulting to them. EE was an obvious choice for me.
Nick (top row, third from left) with several members of the Entourage.
Shortly after that semester, I pitched the idea of the create a team program to EE’s co-founders, Emily and Liza. I saw an opportunity to launch a fundraising program that would engage and celebrate philanthropic leaders in our community who are committed to helping EE speed lifesaving breakthroughs and a cure for people with nonsense mutations of cystic fibrosis (CF).
In my opinion, the Champions program embodies the very spirit of EE — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and enacting change on the individual level.
Our Entourage did not disappoint. Over the years, we’ve had countless Champions leverage their networks and connections to help us make a difference in the lives of those with CF and we’ve raised more than $200,000 doing so (how AMAZING is that?!).
Needless to say, it’s an honor for me to serve as the chair of the program. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Emily’s Entourage, and I thought, what better way to celebrate this huge milestone than throwing my hat in the “Champion” ring?! I’ve created a team with my teenage nephews and, after speaking with them, I can tell you that Team Dinges is ready to kick some serious CF butt!
But we need more Champs in order to make this the BEST year yet! Will you join us?? You don’t need to do it alone —create a team, invite your friends and family to join you, and help us make EE’s 10-year anniversary one to remember!
I think this year is going to be our best one yet, and I hope you’ll consider joining us in celebration.
