# Best up and coming fundraiser

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/04/best-and-coming-fundraiser/
- Published: 2008-07-04T10:21:42+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

This award aims to encourage those who are still relatively new to fundraising and
who have shown aptitude, ability and success beyond their experience.

And the shortlisted entries, in alphabetical order are:

**Rufus Cruft, Scope**

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Rufus has been a member of the individual giving team for two and a half years, 
rising through the ranks to become senior fundraiser in the supporter development
team. He pioneered the idea of using a postcard as a reminder device in Scope’s 
raffle mailings which significantly reduced production costs in print and mail and
maintained income levels. He has excellent people skills and has recently helped
coach and mentor a young trainee fundraiser in the department in interview skills
and techniques. Rufus was one of the first disabled staff members to be recruited
to the department in Scope’s drive to significantly increase the numbers of disabled
staff within fundraising. His innovation, talent, passion and commitment were recognised
early as he was shortlisted for Scope’s Tom Crocker award for innovation in fundraising.

**Hollie Wells, British Red Cross**

Hollie has been a face-to-face fundraiser for BRC through DDUK since March 2007 
and was promoted to team guide within three months. Hollie has since mentored, trained
and developed 55 other fundraisers. She has achieved excellent results and ensured
her team members maintain the same high quality results. She has achieved a flawless
mystery shop report history, showing her professionalism, ethics and ability in 
her fundraising dialogue.

**Michelle Wright, London Symphony Orchestra**

Michelle joined LSO as head of development in January 2007 after a career in marketing.
In 12 months she has doubled private sector income from £1.5m to over £3m, revitalised
the fundraising infrastructure, ensured new three-year seven figure funding relationships
with the LSO’s three principal partners, developed strategic links in key LSO international
touring centres and implemented a unique corporate sponsorship package linked to
business networking and hospitality at key international locations. She has brought
in over £500K to support the orchestra’s education and community programme. Additionally
she has introduced new individual giving ladders of support, set up a legacy campaign
and an endowment fundraising campaign and found time to develop a team of 10 fundraisers
and volunteers. She has obtained a scholarship to undertake the MBA programme at
Ashridge Business School and is mentored by another director of fundraising. She,
in turn, is mentoring a fundraiser at the London Sinfonietta.

 * **[Volunteer fundraiser of the year](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/04/volunteer-fundraiser-year-908/)**(
   4 July 2008)
 * **[Fundraiser of the year](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/04/fundraiser-year-429/)**(
   4 July 2008)
 * **[National Awards ceremony highlights the best of UK fundraising](https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/07/08/national-awards-ceremony-highlights-best-uk-fundraising/)**(
   8 July 2008)