May we call on you?

This postcard went out to everyone we will be calling during
Phonathon. The sisters pictured on the front are,
from left to right: Sisters Rita Clare Gerardot,
Joanna Brown, Florence Norton and Suzanne Buthod.

Each year, the Sisters of Providence conduct an all-volunteer calling effort to reach out to all donors we haven't heard from during our current fiscal year or the recent past. We call it the Phonathon.

We have many sisters who faithfully volunteer to help with Phonathon. More than 75 sisters will be on the phones reaching out to donors or working behind the scenes to support the process. We are also grateful to have the help of at least 20 Providence Associates, a handful of staff members (who volunteer their time for Phonathon), alumnae/i of SP schools and other friends, bringing the total of our Phonathon volunteers to more than 100.

From Feb. 19 to March 4, these volunteers will call more than 4,500 donors.
So, why would any volunteer in her or his right mind be driven to call an average of 60 potential* strangers and ask for money? (*Potential, only because often we find we know the person on the other end. It's a small world.)

Would you believe me if I said it's because we genuinely want to talk to you?

It's true! Phonathon is the most significant opportunity for sisters, associates and, yes, even staff to talk to a lot of donors! On these phone calls, we get to hear about what you need from the Sisters of Providence: the ministries that pique your interest, which sister inspired you the most and what's going on in your life. We answer questions, take prayer requests and put people in touch with long lost friends.

These conversations inspire us to work harder, to re-evaluate our goals and to remind us that what we are doing every day is valuable. The Phonathon connects us to all of you in a very real way and reminds us that we are all part of God's divine plan.

One volunteer said to me that after experiencing many wonderful conversations at Phonathon, she realized the calling really is a ministry. Phonathon allows us to connect to people who partner in the mission of the Sisters of Providence in ways our daily tasks can't offer.

Yes, when that phone rings and it's someone from the Sisters of Providence on the line, we are going to ask if you are able to make a donation. Remember, though, that it's about so much more than that. Our sisters and volunteers really want to be connected to you in a bigger way.

And that's why we call.

If you are on our list to call, you should have received a postcard in January like the one pictured above. If you'd like, you can make a donation now and we won't call. Or if you'd rather we not call you, just let us know at 812-535-2800 or by email at oca@spsmw.org.