After a year of review, PONCHO will be changing to a leaner operating structure intended to more efficiently raise funds for the arts community. It is clear in today’s economy that leaner is better. We will rely less on paid staff and more on our board and countless volunteers to reach our fundraising goals. As part of the transition, the staff has been reduced from five to three full-time employees including the addition of Lorna Kneeland who will be Senior Development Director. Lorna will oversee the operation of the events, office, staff and volunteers. She will be working with our board and continue to focus on individual giving and corporate sponsorships. The art and wine auctions will be designed to earn the maximum possible return for the arts community.

Lorna was previously at the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research where she led the center’s fundraising activities. Prior to joining the non-profit world, she spent over 10 years in the hospitality industry where she held sales, marketing and event management roles. Lorna is a Seattle native and has been an active community volunteer. She fondly remembers as a child, her first experience seeing the Nutcracker at the Pacific Northwest Ballet; Lorna credits PONCHO for providing the opportunity for so many young people a lasting exposure to the arts. The need has never been greater than it is today. But to meet that need in this economy, PONCHO must become more efficient and make better use of its dedicated and committed volunteers. Lorna is proud to be a part of a renewed community effort to fund the arts.

To contact Lorna directly email lorna@poncho.org or call 206.623-6233 ext. 201

Thank you to all for your continued support of PONCHO.