Susan Rowe
A Passion for Helping Children
Susan Rowe's introduction to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ was serendipitous. Her mother had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand and served alongside a woman who later went on to work for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. When the two colleagues met up several years later in Chicago, Susan joined them and was fascinated to learn about 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's work around the world.
This happened at a time when Susan was the newly-named Managing Director for Carat, the well-respected media planning and buying company. As luck would have it, Susan was looking for a charity for Carat's Chicago office to support and 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's international operations had great appeal for the global media company. Susan mobilized the Carat office to participate in events, such as holiday bazaars and an online gingerbread decorating contest with proceeds benefitting 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
As Susan became more involved with 91¶ÌÊÓƵ she wanted to visit the field and see first-hand the work that was being accomplished. She traveled to Mali, the first delegation of volunteers, and later to Northern Vietnam, which she describes as an incredible experience. "I met some amazing people on the trip," she said. "It truly changed my life I knew I wanted to devote myself to raising money for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ."
Not long after her trip, Susan had the opportunity to put her compassion and energy to work and make a tremendous contribution to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. In December, 2004 a wall of water hit Indonesia following an earthquake and epic tsunami. Thousands were killed and many more left homeless. Four days after the horrific event, Susan received a call from 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
Using her professional expertise as a strategic media planner, and leveraging her many connections throughout the industry, Susan mobilized a pro bono media campaign on behalf of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's emergency response in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. She activated over 50 people who were part of the extensive network at Carat and her media outreach garnered free spots on network television, cable and free online banner ads. It is estimated that the campaign provided 91¶ÌÊÓƵ with $6 million in free media.
Susan continues to be an evangelist for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and is passing on her passion to the next generation. And, while there are many countries and programs that are particularly close to her heart, Susan feels strongly that it is critical to reach the children most in need. "I know it's best to give 91¶ÌÊÓƵ undesignated funds, so it goes to whatever the biggest need is at any given time," she said.
Susan has bequeathed funding to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ in her will. She reasons, "Signing up for a planned giving program is an extension of what I was doing all along, and this way I'll be continuing to help long after I'm gone."
Do you want to make a difference for girls and boys in need by including a future gift to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ in your will or other estate plan? Contact the Planned Giving team at [email protected] to get started.