Non-Profit Data Base Project - The Why

Rhonda after one of my design / testing meeting.
 Whitehall, Palm Beach.

Palm Beach History

The Palm Beach area has many worthy attraction; one of which is The Flagler Museum.  Henry Morrison Flagler invented the modern Florida as we know it today. One of America's richest men at the time, he build a railroad system that went for Florida's north boarder all the way to Key West. As he moved south with his railroad tracks, he established towns with hotels and infrastructure to support his new ventures. The transportation infrastructure and the tourism with it's agricultural industries remain even today

Palm Beach became his home during this process and he built a lavish mansion for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan, and it became their winter home. Whitehall was it's name and even by modern standards it is an amazing destination. Several times it has faced destruction. However, it has survived as one of the premier displays or opulence of that time period. A must see attraction to learn about Mr. Flagler's Florida and see his legacy mansion. 

The NY Times in 1902 described Whitehall the way:

... more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world."

I always love visiting, especially enjoying the Chamber Music Series during Season. Last year was its 25 year and I attended the first concert.  I have not been to all of the concerts, but make the effort every year to attend as many as I can. The music is always world class. 

Whitehall's Chamber Music Series

Over the years I made the acquaintance of the Museum Director and we speak typically at the receptions following the concert. It helps that I am friends with one of the underwriters and attend many as her guest. I actually introduced her to the concert series where she attended as my guest that evening. Her love for the music and ambiance blossomed.

Several season ago I ask the museum director if he used "Raiser's Edge" software to track members and event attendees. He said no, too expensive. I was shocked to know that the Museum used an old database that essentially functioned as an enhanced spread sheet.

When you are ready, "I would love to write you a fully-functioning Member/Donor System". This past season he finally said, "now it is the time".

Three month plus project testing went well up to a point. I am proud of what has been built.  This is my legacy system after many years of system engineering and coding.   

Continued tomorrow...

I love going to business meeting where I have a reserved parking place. 

  

.