Just wrapping up her third Fashion Passion event, Rainbows is celebrating what Blair Miller means to their team.
Blair began working at Rainbows in June of 2015. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Services Management and Community Development from Wichita State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Friends University. Throughout Blair’s career in development, she always wanted two things: to work for an organization that focused primarily on children and their families, and to coordinate special events. Working as Rainbows’ Special Events Coordinator, she is able to do both.
“Blair brings over 5 years of experience in fundraising and development to Rainbows. Her passion for helping others combined with her organizational skills make her a perfect fit for Rainbows,” says Angela Kessler, Vice President of Development.
Blair’s favorite part about working at Rainbows is the children. “They are fuel to our fire at Rainbows. I love the fact that we celebrate the uniqueness of each child. By doing so, we are able to bring potential to their lives in different ways,” says Blair.
Though Rainbows’ mission is Blair’s favorite part of the job, her co-workers come in at a close second. “What a pleasant, giving and selfless group of people working together towards one common goal,” she says.
The people who work closely with Blair agree that the feeling is mutual. “Blair is consistent and driven,” says co-worker, Sidni Garwood. “She works extremely hard and the end product is always her very best. Rainbows is so fortunate to have her!”
Her workdays usually consist of overseeing the day to day planning, coordination and execution of Rainbows’ signature events. This could mean anything from communicating and working with event committee members and donors, securing sponsorships and in-kind donations, managing vendor relationships, brainstorming new partnerships, implementing logistics, and so on. No day looks the same and that is what makes her job fun.
Over the last three years, Blair has continuously played an integral part in four major fundraising events that benefit Rainbows’ children and families: Blarney Breakfast, Rainbows’ Run | Walk event, Peter Hampel’s Luau, and Fashion Passion.
Fashion Passion 2017 entertained a packed house of more than 650 guests with a runway show and auction at Textron Aviation Activity Center on Friday, November 17. This year’s sold out event set a record, raising $451,000 in net proceeds. These earnings allow Rainbows to continue providing high quality services to children with special needs and their families. What a huge success!
A special congratulations and thank you to Blair, to Rainbows’ entire development team, and to the Friends of the Heart who help orchestrate Fashion Passion each year.
Though sometimes the days get long and the planning tedious, the work that goes into these events is truly invaluable. Rainbows is glad to have Blair Miller behind them!
When Blair isn’t planning events, she enjoys working out, walking her dog, and reading. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends.
