Name: Belle Rossiter

Major: Advertising and public relations, pursuing the Fundamentals of Business certification

Previous THON Experience:

2022 Dancer Relations committee member
2023 Development Captain (Head of Foundation Outreach)

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON for 2024?

When I reflect on my previous THON involvement, I am filled with so much joy. I have had the opportunity to fall in love with this organization and do work that I am extremely passionate about.

I know that the money I helped to raise means that families can focus on their children during the most difficult situation imaginable. These children are the driving force for my passion for THON. I want to be able to make an impact on this organization that can leave a better future for them, and children like them around the globe. It is an incredible honor to serve on the executive committee for THON 2024. I hope to make an impact on the lives of the children and families we serve, as well as the volunteers who have just as much passion for this organization as I do.

What are your responsibilities as a THON irector?

As a member of the executive committee, I have the opportunity to work alongside 16 other directors to make impactful changes and execute initiatives that will benefit our organization and its 16,500 student volunteers. As the development director, I am responsible for overseeing THON’s relationships with tens of thousands of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations. Additionally, along with my team of 15 development captains, I work to ensure long-term financial growth in our fundraising model through three primary areas: donor acquisition, donor engagement, and donor retention.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that’s unique and differs from years past?

I hope to connect THON’s growing donor base to the impact they are making on our organization as well as the children and families we support. One of my goals is to spread a culture of gratitude throughout all stakeholders involved in THON to increase awareness and involvement in our organization along with retaining support year after year.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

Development is multifaceted. Captains work on projects ranging from donor acquisition, retention, and engagement, and also plan ways to give back to the local community through days of service. One of my favorite things about development is that we have the chance to spread THON’s mission and educate others about our organization, which can hopefully result in monetary contributions that make a direct impact on our mission.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2024?

I hope to work with my captains to continue to expand THON’s donor engagement and retention initiatives that will result in continuity of supporters for years to come. One of my biggest goals overall is to empower my captains to use their own passions for our organization to make their own impact on THON’s development practices.

Why do you THON?

I THON to foster a loving community and fund comprehensive care for our children and families during what is undoubtedly the worst situation imaginable. THON is the most beautiful thing I know, and I hope to progress our organization forward in my position this year.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory has to be Family Carnival last year! It was my first time getting the chance to interact with so many THON children and families. I met so many incredible people and spent the whole afternoon playing duck duck goose! Family Carnival is my favorite pre-THON event because it gives our volunteers and Four Diamonds families the chance to connect before THON Weekend and focus on smiles and laughs. I’m super excited for this year!

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

Triceratops seems pretty cool!