[Wilkes-Barre, Pa.]  – The Northeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) announced that Carol Maculloch, Director of Development for Annual Resources at The University of Scranton, will moderate a panel, "Mentoring: A Career Enhancing Benefit"

This is the first in the organization’s 2009-10 educational programming series and will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24,  2009 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre.  Reservations are required and can be made at http://www.afpnepa.org or by calling Mary Lou Miller at 570-586-3432.

Panelists include:

• Kathleen Matthews, President, Junior Achievement of NEPA, Inc.;
• Craig M. Lukatch, Director of Development, Wyoming Valley Children’s Association;
• Christopher Kelly, Development Director, the Osterhout Free Library;
• Lauren Pluskey, Director of Annual Giving, Wilkes University;
• Amy Hetro, Development & Markering Director, Leadership Wilkes-Barre; and
• Susan Dantona Jolley, Director of Donor Relations, Wilkes University             

According to Maculloch, “Mentoring is an effective means of bolstering professional confidence and addressing precise questions and issues on fundraising through a personal one-on-one relationship.  This new program allows seasoned fundraisers the opportunity to serve our profession by giving back their time, talent and expertise, while coaching and providing invaluable information for new fund raisers entering or shaping their development careers and their breath of knowledge.”

Cost of attendance is $15 for AFP members and $25 for not-yet members and day-of registrants.  Registration is accepted via e-mail to events@afpnepa.org and online at http://www.afpnepa.org.  Please address any questions to Mary Lou Miller at 570-586-3432.

About the Association of Fundraising Professionals

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) represents more than 30,000 members in more than 190 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.  The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.  The Northeastern Pennsylvania chapter sponsors monthly luncheons, seminars, and continuing education workshops for nonprofit organization professionals in the Greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.  More information available at http://www.afpnepa.org.