2016 Annual Report

2016

Annual Report I Choose To Win is a 501 (c)(3) motivational and inspirational nonprofit organization that seeks to edify, empower and equip women to WIN in life. We place emphasis on purpose, passion, power and potential.

www.ichoosetowin.org

Letter from the Founder

Faith-based organization

2016

Two years ago, embarked upon a God-given vision I had, by way of a dream. In the vision, women of all ages were captivated with the messaging given for I Choose To Win. Women, who were long-time Christ followers, were awakened again and began believing and trusting the Word with renewed vigor. The vivid picture showed younger women professing their love for God, understanding their need for Him and utilizing their gifts for His glory.

Melonie Butler Founder

In my glimpse into the future, there was a magazine featuring these women and their stories. An online nationwide campaign of young women changing their minds about themselves, recognizing they are childen of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, intentional and capable of so much more than they allowed. I envisioned women saying “yes” to their inner voice. Genuinely loving themselves and others with compassion, I witnessed a movement of personal convictions in favor of victorious living, women who were choosing to win.

Knowing the effort would be blessed if I committed to this God-given vision, I chose to be obedient to the call in order to realize it fully. I shared my passion, announced my decision to pursue the I Choose To Win vision and received the support of those who loved me. Here we are, two years later, witnessing manifestation. God is good.

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

- Romans 8:37

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

- Jeremiah 29:11

I was reminded of the biblical truth, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I chose to stand on it, trust God and let Him strengthen me as I took small action steps. One foot in front of the other, baby steps in favor of progressive forward movement, I exercised faith. Volunteers and supporters showed up. In Him, I stay amazed.

Thank you to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, grantmaker and participant. May 2017 be more than we could ask or imagine. In all things, “to God be the glory!”

Sincerely,

Melonie Butler

Vision Create a movement of women on fire for God and in love with life. See more women living out what they define a winning life and glorifying God as a result.

Points of Praise 2016 Successfully delivered on 2016 strategic objectives Brought on an excellent intern who supported the launch of the fourth issue of #ichoosetowin magazine

Mission We edify, empower and equip women to walk boldly, bravely and brilliantly in their God-given gifts - contributing in unique ways to positively impact the world.

This is what we’ve coined as winning!

1,726

Goals

37%

•

5%

•

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING: FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

I Choose To Win

TWITTER

@ichoosewinning @ichoosetowin

LINKED IN

ichoosetowin.org

•

1%

Partnered with several organizations to expand our program reach and grow our audience Raised more than $3,000 in program funds through online giving campaigns, fundraisers & one-time gifts

57%

Followers on Social Media platforms

Secured 501 (c)(3) tax exemption status, which rendered us eligible to apply for and be awarded corporate gifts and grants in amounts of $2,000

• •

Edify women in the word of God so they see themselves as God sees them Encourage women to transition in mindset from victim to victor Empower women to walk in their gifts and lift others as they climb Equip women with tools, network and resources to aid in their definition of “winning” Glorify God through the execution of this program

Reached nearly 5,000 people through our various channels, Engaged over 450 individuals at our events

To check out our magazine: www.issuu.com/ichoosetowin

Secured several invitations to speak in 2017 as a result of 2016 activity and exposure Nominated “Nonprofit of the Year” by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

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784

People read this issue of our magazine

Like many Americans, we wanted to do something about the racially charged climate in the U.S. and concerns about social injustice facing our nation. But, we didn’t know where to begin or what we could do to truly make an impact. So, a group of diverse individuals in the Philadelphia, PA area retreated from the noise and came together to brainstorm. Out of it came this campaign, #ALL(IN)4Humanity, which acknowledged our need to deal internally (it starts with me) to impact change externally (be the change we hope to see).

We are ALL(IN)4HUMANITY.com, an online campaign for individuals who are ALL IN for restoring love, peace, compassion, humanity and solidarity in our nation. We are responding with the fierce urgency of now, because Dr. King taught us the right time to do the right thing is always now. We are a diverse group, representing many races, cultures and ethnicities.

We are everyday people, like you, who have decided to take action - with the resources we already have and within the circles we already run. And, we started this campaign to invite others, like you, to do the same. JOIN US! Decide on at least ONE meaningful action-step (of your choosing) toward mending human relations by either supporting or advocating on behalf of a group of people that has been marginalized, increasing understanding around the injustices, acknowledging your own bigotry and biases, and/or standing in solidarity to fight for reform because an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And, do it within 10 days. Then, let us know how it goes using hashtag #allin4humanity.

“

It was an amazing and powerful weekend at the retreat by I Choose To Win. I met some amazing and beautiful women who don’t have all the answers but are willing to act on what they do know!

- Andrea W. I got to be part of an intimate and diverse group of women, all focused on bringing our open hearts and minds together for the common good and inviting peace to our city and to our world. I am totally inspired and motivated to go out there and use my influence to bring a positive change in my community and beyond.It begins with me. It begins with you. It begins with us. - Shanae T. A weekend spent creating an action plan to initiate a positive change. - Kelli M.

Are you willing to DO SOMETHING? If so, tell us you’re in, share your action-step on social media using the hashtag #allin4humanity when doing your part. Let’s spread viral images and messages of kindness, compassion, diverse group discussions, enlightenment, songs, poems, civil police encounters, positive activism, etc... It starts with me. It starts with you. It’s up to us. Together, we WIN.

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“Be devoted to

one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.”

- Romans 12:10

Testimonial

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. ” - Joshua 1:9

“

Igniting the passion that burns within. in life, I choose to win!

1/1/16 Getting ready to do the Polar Bear Plunge today. I’m a little apprehensive - wondering if this is one of the times that I should have said no, but said yes, knowing I’ll be glad that I did it in the end. This is monumental for me. I am seeking to come out of my comfort zone - to live out loud. To be what God called me to be and do what He wants me to do. Part of this requires releasing my fears, not being afraid - trusting God, turning everything over to Him. This is me embarking upon a new journey - loving myself - making good choices and using discernment. I want to be more like Christ. Lord, help me to be more like You, help me with my stubbornness, fix the areas that are broken, search my heart, remove that which is unlike You. Guide me every moment of my life. Use me. Thank You for opening my eyes to new experiences - bless this endeavor - AMEN! 1/2/16 The day after the plunge, I’m so full of expectation. I know that I can do all things through Christ and so I pray that You bless this journey ahead of me give me courage, strength, wisdom and discernment. Protect me oh Lord. Cover me. Use me for Your glory.

1/1/17 Mel, I volunteered to do an engagement shoot for free. But, at the end of the shoot, they decided to pay me - and gave more than I typically charge.

When I tell you I was so shocked and surprised, I couldn’t even tell you the emotions I felt. God is so good! I was blessed. I was so encouraged!!! I’m tearing up as I’m typing this to you. I asked God for wisdom, courage, strength, and discernment. Look at God! He is awesome! God is placing some truly gifted and knowledgeable photographers in my path. And they are speaking life into my dreams and aspirations. I thank you! You have been so instrumental in this journey. I pray that God continues to richly bless you! I pray you will always find yourself right in the very center of His will. You are a gift. You are a precious gem. I love you!” - Jen S.

Thank you!

2016 Board of Directors Michael Bowman Board Advisor Rittenhouse Strategies, LLC mbowman@rittenhousestrategiesllc.com Melonie Butler Founder & Executive Director I Choose To Win melonie@ichoosetowin.org

21

Corporate, Business & Organization Supporters

Phil Butler Treasurer LREP Investments pbutler@LREPinvestments.com Mallory Clements Secretary msclements25@gmail.com Candy Manning Vice President Candids By Candy Photography candy@candidsbycandy.biz

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A special thank you to: The Pyramid Club We also thank 2016 contributors: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Allstate (Buddington Agency) Be Cubed Marketing Group Beneficial Bank Candids by Candy Chipotle CI Solutions, LLC DivaGirl Philly Flawlessly You Fitness Flexx Yoga Getcha Mind Right Jen Strickland Photography Joy Yoga Studio Merck Foundation Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen Nikki Lenore Photography Penn State Abington Rittenhouse Strategies, LLC St. Peter’s Church Temple Women’s Network Walmart Foundation

4,855

11 WINNING EVENTS

EDIFY

Winning Workshops, 3-Day Retreats, Social Networks, Speaking Engagements, and Magazine are the ways we engage our audience.

10 INVITATIONS TO SPEAK

5 MAGAZINES PUBLICATIONS &VIDEOS

4 SOCIAL NETWORKS

2458

1726 Campaigns, Inspirational messages, Scriptural references, Motivational quotes & words of encouragement

Providing Tools, Journals, Resources, Connection, Mentors, Access and Opportunity

482 189

EMPOWER

EQUIP

MAGAZINE & PUBLICATIONS

- Vanessa C., Participant

ENGAGE

SOCIAL MEDIA

“

to Him be the glory.”

- Ephesians 3:20

people with our message via:

- Emily M., Participant Being part of the “I Choose to Win,” program allowed me to feel a sense of communal empowerment.

Being around women who sincerely are working on uplifting themselves and others allows for exponential personal growth.”

or imagine, according to His power at work within us,

We’ve engaged

“

Best friends and we’ve only known each other 5 hours.

God showed Winning Workshop 4 Women (Age 25+) up and is doing amazing things . . . Thank you Lord for #ichoosetowin. What providential timing and life building this weekend was.

Love all you ladies!”

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask

VIDEOS

- Gail T., Organizer

2016 Impact

EVENT

“

Before the end of the first ice breaker, Melonie had the teens fully engaged. All sessions were well organized and relevant. I recommend I Choose to Win for retreats or workshops.”

2016 Financials

“

I’ve been procrastinating for a couple of years knowing my purpose and not acting or working in it. I was thinking people would not be accepting, but I realize I just need to do what God is leading me to do for His glory. - Carolyn V.

2017 Strategic Objectives Introduce new programming to begin targeting audiences for greater impact over time

Revenue Generation

Identify and target five organizations for program sponsorship and/or partnership

In 2016, I Choose To Win held several events, raised funds through creative fundraising activities and received donations of corporate grants and gifts. With its first-ever tour, I Choose To Win’s messages reached nearly 500 participants at its various events held in PA, NC and TX. The launch of its fourth-issue of the #ichoosetowin magazine, social media campaigns, and several online videos expanded our reach to a diverse audience of almost 5,000. This being the organization’s first eligible year for grant funding as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, I Choose To Win was awarded grant funding and received corporate donations, amounting to a collective 60% of 2016 annual income. As I Choose To Win experienced growth throughout the year, individual donors tripled and business supporters (non-monetary donations) doubled.

Expand board of directors to meet organizational needs and deliver on annual fundraising objectives Develop and communicate diverse stream, creative fundraising strategy with milestone objectives Identify and apply for 5-7 grants by Q3 2017

$

Believing the vision God gave me. in life, I choose to win!

Increase people resources and forge strategic partnerships with service providers to increase capacity

“ EDIFY | EMPOWER | EQUIP

I have to say “wow!” The workshop was awesome!

I was able to rejuvenate my perspective and ponder many ways I can better honor God with my life.”

- Monique M.

Awakening my insticts to engage life boldly. in life, I choose to win!

ichoosetowin.org P.O. Box 613 Fort Washington, PA 19034 c/o Melonie Butler 856.278.0604

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