2,626,000 moments—how do you measure five years?

In 2021, on the first anniversary of Team Kat & Mouse, I wrote a blog post titled “I Have Resigned—Now What?”

It was a raw and honest reflection on the first 525,600 minutes of starting a business—not just any business, but our business. I wrote about the angst and passion that led us to day one and carried us through that first year.

From Panic to Purpose

Amy and I envisioned a business with clarity and purpose. While we’ve grown doing exactly what we hoped to do, we’ve also evolved—again and again—to meet the moment… and then the next moment… and the moment after that. We had to support our client partners in what was needed to help them grow no matter the circumstances.

If we learned nothing else during COVID, we learned this: being nimble is critical.

When we started, it was just Amy and Sharon—two longtime friends who had worked together and shared a vision. Then came Ben. I spoke with Ben just months into our journey, and from that very first conversation, I knew he was meant to be the third side of the Team Kat & Mouse triangle. 

Together, we could truly super-serve clients across all major facets of fundraising. Plus, our three-part harmony was flawless.

OK—I only sang once. It was a very poor version of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup jingle during a training on partnerships. Need I say more?

We Believe in You—Thank You for Choosing Us

As we built our business, we learned that our real magic is the special clients who choose to work with us year after year.

From our very first client, 100 Black Men of Greater Florida, who is still with us today—to our newest partners focused on bringing medical care to deeply underserved communities; from those we’ve weathered hurricanes with, to federal shutdowns, to government grant stoppages—we appreciate every single one of you.

Thank you for trusting us to support your vision for a better world, and for letting us help donors, partners, and friends believe in your passion and purpose.

“No day but today.” —Jonathan Larson, RENT

Over the last five years, I’ve spoken often about my love of Broadway (haters can hate on my dislike of Book of Mormon). I have a special place in my heart for RENT and its most famous song, Seasons of Love.

525,600 minutes—how do you measure a year?In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee.In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

So, I asked Amy & Ben ----2,626,000 moments—how do you

measure five years? 

I’ll start!

Sharon

In partners, training, and creative solutions.In new friends, old friends, and working alongside inspiring leaders.In teaching, learning, and cups of coffee 

In seasons of Looooove of successful fundraising 

Amy

In phone calls, updates, and donor presentations

In thank you notes and updated tax letters

In campaign events and CRM review

In Inches, In miles  and large cups of coffee!

Ben

In grant proposals

In new funder relationships 

In community partnerships that transform organizations and people

In sunlight and snow storms and lots of coffee!

A Few Last Words

I always dreamed of starting a business.I always wanted to work with like-minded people who believe in the same vision I do.I always wanted to work with organizations and support them as they realize their goals and dreams.

So, to each of you who has become a star in my dream: thank you.

And to everyone with an audacious dream of their own—do the work. That’s the real secret sauce. Do it with honesty, passion, and surround yourself with people who believe in all that too.

If you’re a nonprofit leader navigating what’s next—whether strengthening your fundraising strategy with a tactical plan, grant writing, or investing in fundraising training—know that you don’t have to do it alone.

At Team Kat & Mouse, we are partners, fundraising consultants, and coaches who believe in helping you to fund your mission.

When you’re ready, we’d love to walk alongside you.