Testimonials
“It would be hard to imagine a more consummate development professional. Val is knowledgeable, tough, imaginative, committed to a more just society, and just a whole lot of fun.”
- Denise Klein, Wider Horizons
"I’m not sure how I’d do my job successfully without the Aril Team. It seems like there’s nothing they can’t do! The support we receive is astounding — from grant-writing to graphic design, from data support to one-on-one coaching — everything is done in a timely and professional way with great attention to detail and creativity. Thank you!" - Heather Pipino, Vermont Workers' Center
"We're just wrapping up our sustaining donor drive and I want to send an update. We held a three-week drive and recruited 50 new monthly donors, passing our goal of 30, in addition to more than $9000 in one-time donations. Your suggestions and framework were hugely helpful for making this happen – thanks so much for your time and resource-sharing! Huge thanks for your generous time and counsel around fundraising and organizational development. Our occasional calls have made a big difference in the effectiveness of our fundraising program." - Devon Cupery, MNIPL
"Working with Valerie has been a huge boost and momentum builder for 350Vermont's emerging grassroots fundraising program. Not only does she bring knowledge, experience and ideas, she and the entire team at Aril Consulting also fully share our passion and commitment to this mission. We're a great team and together we're making a difference." - David Stember, Team 350VT
"It is a joy to work with Val and her team. They are extremely well-skilled and organized, and they have helped our organization develop the repeatable systems and methods for successful and authentic fundraising campaigns. Val and her team uniquely recognize the organizing strategy necessary for grassroots fundraising." - Maeve McBride, 350VT
"I met Gaby when she volunteered to join the Capital Region Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign Committee. The committee was part of a larger Two Row Renewal Campaign effort taking place in New York State to broaden an alliance between the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Nation) and allies within the state and around the world and to honor the Tow Row Wampum treaty made between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers 400 years ago (http://honorthetworow.org/) . As a member of the campaign committee, Gaby brought energy, enthusiasm, and a positive can-do attitude to the tasks at hand. She took the initiative to help organize and coordinate fundraisers and be the lead coordinator for our volunteers. Her experience, professionalism, organization, and positivity was instrumental to the success of the Capital Region campaign and I would happily work with Gaby again, and highly recommend her to others." - Kevin Nephew, Co-chair, Capital Region Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign Committee
"Erin met the challenge of each task with skill, professionalism and grace." - Lauren Harris, New Orleans College Prep
"We are so grateful for all of your help during phase 1 and all of the extra time you have put into helping me with the additional questions. You have been so thorough in your explanations and have truly gone above and beyond to make this project not only work, but also to help me understand each step of the way." - Alex Rossow, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
"I was fortunate to begin working with Val when she approached me and asked me how she could help the Ndoto Project. As an organization in its first year of operation, we were struggling to both clarify and enact our mission in the world and tap into the resources we needed to fulfill it. She helped us develop a budget and set goals for our first major fundraiser - a bicycle tour from Seattle to San Francisco - and helped us with everything from developing fundraising materials to sending out press releases. In the thick of planning for the event, she checked in with me frequently to remind me that she was available if I ever needed her advice. Val's energy and presence are indispensable, as is her passion for a good cause. I couldn't have pulled off the first year of the event without her. Besides being a talented fundraiser and consultant, she is an exceptional person. Working with her feels like working alongside a devoted friend."
- Hannah Lee Jones, Founder/Director, The Ndoto Project
“Valerie is an amazing manager well respected and adored by her team. She seems to bring out the best in people by encouraging their strengths and letting them grow. Valerie expects a lot from both herself and those she manages, which produces great results and encourages everyone to rise to the occasion as a team.”
- Elizabeth Martin, Assistant Director of Development, Senior Services
“I had the opportunity to work with Valerie at Senior Services while I was coordinating their annual Soiree event. She worked tirelessly and volunteered her time (since the event was no longer her responsibility) to make the fundraiser/auction a success. She gracefully shared her experience, and always held the mission of Senior Services as a priority. Her expertise in development, events, and fundraising is invaluable, but it is her heart and personality that makes her a joy to work with. Any organization would be lucky to have her on their team.” - Laura Williams, Laura Williams Consulting
“Val and I have worked a lot on various projects that required IT and RD to come up with a solution. I have always enjoyed working with her due to her positive demeanor and strong problem solving ability. She is very good at optimizing solutions and keeping them on track. I think she is one of the agency’s best assets.”
- John Gleichman, IT Manager, Senior Services
“I had the good fortune of working with Valerie on a website redesign project and a video for Senior Services. Valerie is cool under pressure, very smart, clear-headed and hard working. She handles many priorities with aplomb and is an absolute pleasure to work for and with. I highly recommend Valerie for any job.”
- Heather Reilly, Media Producer at large
- Denise Klein, Wider Horizons
"I’m not sure how I’d do my job successfully without the Aril Team. It seems like there’s nothing they can’t do! The support we receive is astounding — from grant-writing to graphic design, from data support to one-on-one coaching — everything is done in a timely and professional way with great attention to detail and creativity. Thank you!" - Heather Pipino, Vermont Workers' Center
"We're just wrapping up our sustaining donor drive and I want to send an update. We held a three-week drive and recruited 50 new monthly donors, passing our goal of 30, in addition to more than $9000 in one-time donations. Your suggestions and framework were hugely helpful for making this happen – thanks so much for your time and resource-sharing! Huge thanks for your generous time and counsel around fundraising and organizational development. Our occasional calls have made a big difference in the effectiveness of our fundraising program." - Devon Cupery, MNIPL
"Working with Valerie has been a huge boost and momentum builder for 350Vermont's emerging grassroots fundraising program. Not only does she bring knowledge, experience and ideas, she and the entire team at Aril Consulting also fully share our passion and commitment to this mission. We're a great team and together we're making a difference." - David Stember, Team 350VT
"It is a joy to work with Val and her team. They are extremely well-skilled and organized, and they have helped our organization develop the repeatable systems and methods for successful and authentic fundraising campaigns. Val and her team uniquely recognize the organizing strategy necessary for grassroots fundraising." - Maeve McBride, 350VT
"I met Gaby when she volunteered to join the Capital Region Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign Committee. The committee was part of a larger Two Row Renewal Campaign effort taking place in New York State to broaden an alliance between the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Nation) and allies within the state and around the world and to honor the Tow Row Wampum treaty made between the Haudenosaunee and Dutch settlers 400 years ago (http://honorthetworow.org/) . As a member of the campaign committee, Gaby brought energy, enthusiasm, and a positive can-do attitude to the tasks at hand. She took the initiative to help organize and coordinate fundraisers and be the lead coordinator for our volunteers. Her experience, professionalism, organization, and positivity was instrumental to the success of the Capital Region campaign and I would happily work with Gaby again, and highly recommend her to others." - Kevin Nephew, Co-chair, Capital Region Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign Committee
"Erin met the challenge of each task with skill, professionalism and grace." - Lauren Harris, New Orleans College Prep
"We are so grateful for all of your help during phase 1 and all of the extra time you have put into helping me with the additional questions. You have been so thorough in your explanations and have truly gone above and beyond to make this project not only work, but also to help me understand each step of the way." - Alex Rossow, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
"I was fortunate to begin working with Val when she approached me and asked me how she could help the Ndoto Project. As an organization in its first year of operation, we were struggling to both clarify and enact our mission in the world and tap into the resources we needed to fulfill it. She helped us develop a budget and set goals for our first major fundraiser - a bicycle tour from Seattle to San Francisco - and helped us with everything from developing fundraising materials to sending out press releases. In the thick of planning for the event, she checked in with me frequently to remind me that she was available if I ever needed her advice. Val's energy and presence are indispensable, as is her passion for a good cause. I couldn't have pulled off the first year of the event without her. Besides being a talented fundraiser and consultant, she is an exceptional person. Working with her feels like working alongside a devoted friend."
- Hannah Lee Jones, Founder/Director, The Ndoto Project
“Valerie is an amazing manager well respected and adored by her team. She seems to bring out the best in people by encouraging their strengths and letting them grow. Valerie expects a lot from both herself and those she manages, which produces great results and encourages everyone to rise to the occasion as a team.”
- Elizabeth Martin, Assistant Director of Development, Senior Services
“I had the opportunity to work with Valerie at Senior Services while I was coordinating their annual Soiree event. She worked tirelessly and volunteered her time (since the event was no longer her responsibility) to make the fundraiser/auction a success. She gracefully shared her experience, and always held the mission of Senior Services as a priority. Her expertise in development, events, and fundraising is invaluable, but it is her heart and personality that makes her a joy to work with. Any organization would be lucky to have her on their team.” - Laura Williams, Laura Williams Consulting
“Val and I have worked a lot on various projects that required IT and RD to come up with a solution. I have always enjoyed working with her due to her positive demeanor and strong problem solving ability. She is very good at optimizing solutions and keeping them on track. I think she is one of the agency’s best assets.”
- John Gleichman, IT Manager, Senior Services
“I had the good fortune of working with Valerie on a website redesign project and a video for Senior Services. Valerie is cool under pressure, very smart, clear-headed and hard working. She handles many priorities with aplomb and is an absolute pleasure to work for and with. I highly recommend Valerie for any job.”
- Heather Reilly, Media Producer at large
