Events

Panelists

Cherise Duncan, Special Events Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati

A fund raising professional, Cherise Duncan has provided development leadership for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati for twenty-four years.  Duncan currently serves as the special events manager for the organization.  During her tenure, Cherise has developed, planned and executed several special events including annual golf outings, gala’s, mission events, bourbon/wine tastings, Bowling events, and celebrity roasts.  Her efforts led the agency in raising over $6,800,000 in special event fund raising for Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Additionally, an extraordinary relationship manager, Duncan has connected thousands of donors to the agency mission.

Cherise is also a trusted advisor and mentor to fund raising professionals across the country, with many colleagues utilizing her fundraising techniques to execute their own events.  Always available for consultation, Duncan shares her knowledge and expertise to support young talent with their careers.
The recent pandemic required new skills and adaptations in the fundraising arena.  Cherise pivoted quickly and converted several in-person events to virtual platforms.  Her expertise was instrumental in navigating what could have been a devastating year financially but in fact, turned out to raise funds in new ways.
Often asked to speak on behalf of mentoring, Duncan is passionate about the need for adults to help children realize their full potential for success in school and in life.  One of her greatest joys is witnessing firsthand the many benefits of mentoring – Cherise has been a Big Sister to three girls over the past two decades.

Lisa Raterman, Owner, LARaterman Associates

In April 2001 Lisa A. Raterman left her position as Executive Director of a local nonprofit organization to start her own company.  Since that time, she has worked with a number of nonprofit clients on their fundraising efforts.  Her company, LARaterman Associates, will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2021.  Currently she has seven Associates who work with her to help nonprofit clients increase their fundraising efforts through not only special events but also annual campaigns, grant writing and capital campaigns.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Lisa has spent much of the past year fast becoming an expert on Virtual and Hybrid Events, including Producing more than a dozen Events and Conferences for LARaterman Associates’ clients who want more than just a typical virtual meeting.
In addition to her work with clients Lisa is involved as a volunteer on many local boards and organizations, including Founding Board President for The Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky, Miami University Alumni Association – Cincinnati Chapter Past President, Leadership NKY, St. Ann’s and previously she served as President of the Kentucky Jaycees and on the Boards of the Steinford Toy Foundation, Southbank Partners and Parish Kitchen.
She is a graduate of Miami University and grew up in both Cincinnati and Chicago before eventually making Norther Kentucky her home for the past 27 years.

Anne M. Sturgis, Development Manager, CHNK Behavioral Health
Anne Sturgis, Development Manager at Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky (also known as CHNK Behavioral Health), joined the nonprofit organization in February 2011. Anne brought with her the communications, event planning, and project management skills she honed during her ten years with The Kroger Co.
Since joining CHNK’s Development Office, Anne has helped generate nearly $20 million in fundraising revenues from individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and government entities. Under her direction, the annual Junior Board Charity Ball has seen a 195 percent increase in net revenue since 2011. The 2020 Charity Ball, which took place in a virtual environment this past November, raised more than $135,000 in net revenue and saw engagement from across the country – even internationally!
Anne has also guided two other local small nonprofits in the design and launch of their own fundraising events; since 2019, her efforts have helped them raise a combined $130,000 in net revenue through both in-person and virtual events.
In her spare time, Anne enjoys exploring local parks with her dog Sophie and traveling (pre-pandemic of course!).