Recently I was privileged to support one of CPR’s first, and most amazing clients: Seize Every Opportunity (SEO). The SEO Annual Awards Dinner raised $10 million. The founder of SEO, Mike Osheowitz, taught me fundraising. Because of the opportunities Mike created for me, I built a firm that’s helped more than 3,000 clients raise well in excess of $300 billion.
Mike is a man of action, few words, and a visionary who conceived of SEO when he was a still an undergraduate student at Middlebury College. He’s not much for publicity, unless it advances society-which he has immeasurably. In particular, Mike fosters a collaborative environment in which the bottom line drives the greater good.
Congratulations to the honorees Kenneth I. Chenault, Jamie Dimon (we bank with JP Morgan), Xavier Gutierrez and Kathryn Wylde. SEO’s Chair Henry Kravis was outstanding. MC and SEO alumnus, Gilbert Garcia, raised an additiional $2 million on the spot.
Today, SEO is a global organization. In New York City and San Francisco alone, SEO serves more than 2,000 high school and college students annually, who are typically not only the brightest minds but also the hardest workers. SEO Scholars is a free, eight year academic program that gets public high school students to and through college-with a 90% college graduation rate. 80% of SEO Scholars are the first in their families to attend college. During high school they commit to an additional 600 + hours a year in academic enrichment provided by SEO. After college, SEO’s Career program helps those historically excluded get a start in industries across Wall Street and Corporate America. The results speak for themselves. Please invest in SEO today by contacting William Goodloe. hashtag#SEOScholars, hashtag#prospectresearch
