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Getting a “Yes!” with Mary Petersen: Fireside Chat and Happy Hour
February 17, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Hamilton Family Arts Center
62 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Directions
Join AFP-GPC Emerging Leaders for an evening with Mary Petersen. In this fireside chat–style conversation, Mary will share her joyful and practical approach to one of the most intimidating aspects of fundraising: the ask itself. Drawing from her book, What to Say: 12 Major Gift Asks to Get a YES, this session is ideal for new to mid-level fundraising professionals as well as seasoned practitioners.
Attendees will gain tools to overcome fear, build authentic donor relationships, and close transformational gifts—empowering you to become the best major gifts fundraiser you can be.
This event is open to all members and non-members, including those beyond Emerging Leaders.
Included with registration, all attendees will receive a copy of Mary’s book, 'What to Say: 12 Major Gift Asks to Get a YES'.
Event Agenda
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. : Event Check-In and Networking Happy Hour
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. : Fireside Chat with Mary Petersen
Speaker
Mary Petersen, Founder, Databasey and Hey Fundraiser!
Mary Petersen has spent over 25 years in the major gift trenches, helping nonprofits raise millions while teaching fundraisers how to find the words, the confidence, and
the courage to ask. She is the founder of Hey Fundraiser and Databasey, and the author of What to Say: 12 Scripts for Asking for a Major Gift.
Mary’s work has guided organizations from hospitals to universities to community-based nonprofits, and she is known for her fresh, joyful approach to the most intimidating part of fundraising: the ask itself. She has trained and coached thousands of fundraisers across the country, equipping them to overcome fear, build authentic donor relationships, and close transformational gifts.
