The Art of Connection: Building Trust, Relationships, and Results in Fundraising
Speaker: Ben Williamson
Garrison Arts Center
23 Garrisons Landing | Garrison, NY 10524

Join us for an engaging fundraising session that explores how your unique story can shape your strategy and drive meaningful impact. We'll delve into the power of connection and the importance of creative communication in building lasting relationships. Learn to lead with empathy and authenticity, stay grounded through the practice of presence, and understand why context is everything when engaging supporters. By adopting an "Art of Connection" mindset, fundraisers can transform their approach from transactional to relational, fostering a strong and loyal donor base that drives lasting impact for their organizations.

Ben Williamson has appeared in regional theaters including Capital Repertory Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Manhattan Theatre Club, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, American State, Madison Theatre, Cider Mill Playhouse, Know Theatre, Denizen Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, the National Academy for Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing, China and Shadowland Stages (where he serves ad Development Director and Education Director). TV Credits include Martin Scorsese's Vinyl (HBO), The Perfect Murder (ID), Royal Pains (USA), Mysteries of Laura (NBC), Lost on a Mountain in Maine (Feature), Barry Baker (Amazon Prime) and in various national commercials including Benjamin Moore, Doritos, Corona, and Adams Fairacre Farms. Ben served as Associate Artistic Director of Cider Mill Playhouse in Binghamton, NY and as a Founding Co-Artistic Director of Denizen Theatre in New Paltz, NY from 2017-2020. Ben is also a Professor at SUNY New Paltz in the Digital Media and Journalism Department teaching 'Directing and Performing in Media'. BA with Honors in Acting and Directing from Binghamton University, MFA from FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.