the MCELROY group

Hello Friend! I'm Allison. 

 

I am a gregarious cocktail of entertainment, sincerity, and humor instigation - I'm like a bubbly spumante!? I find life is better when you are friendly, engaging, funny, bubbly, warm, sincere, loyal, and a great listener.

 

I work hard to be YOUR FRIEND, and I will share my expertise and knowledge of fundraising and nonprofit experience to help you reach your professional and personal goals.

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I am a native Arkansan, born and raised in Jonesboro. After spending the last 29 years in Rogers, I now consider myself a super fan of all things Arkansas. I am a graduate of Arkansas State University - #WolvesUp! 

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My husband, Duane, and I have two sons: Cooper and Barret. In my spare time, I love to sing! I sing locally for church choir, special events, and even the Star Spangled Banner at Razorback and other sporting events. Recently, I have started singing a #SundayNightSong each week on Sunday nights via my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

 

I was in the trenches as the one who started everything from scratch, and I honed my skills along the way. What I want the most is to help you find all the tools you need to avoid the same roadblocks and frustrations I had as I was creating a development department and team 29 years ago.

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My career in fundraising began at an organization called, Open Avenues. Open Avenues stays forever close to my heart. It was my home away from home for almost 21 years! My time there shaped me into the person I am today. We achieved so much while I was the Foundation Director there. When I started there in the spring of 1995, I had no idea my job was going to become a career. After establishing a development department, blazing through a $6.5 million dollar capital campaign, and the many other accomplishments of fundraising - I felt the baptism by fire! I know my time there shaped me for my place in life today... which is HELPING YOU achieve all your goals!

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In 2015, I stepped away from Open Avenues to take care of my Dad, Bill. While taking care of him, The McElroy Group was born in March of 2016. After 6 years of caring for him, Dad passed away unexpectedly on March 3, 2022. I will treasure that time I had with him.

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What keeps me going is the ability to work with some of the most amazing organizations and individuals! It fills me up and puts a twinkle in my eye. I love strategizing with people and really breaking down the lofty goals into an easy-to-follow plan.  

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I am a public speaker, a mentor, a cheerleader. I am passionate about Rotary and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and in my many years in this business, I can say I was there when the AFP Northwest Arkansas Chapter started! (And no, dinosaurs didn't roam the earth then - Ha!) I even earned an award that's like the Oscar for fundraising professionals - the Outstanding Fundraising Executive!

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I am here to help you when you need me. All you have to do is - Ask Allison!