Lights, camera, action. In 1980 the United Negro College Fund launched the Parade of Stars telethon. It became a nationwide fundraising program raising millions of dollars for generations of students, and support for historically black colleges and universities. It became the largest one-day African-American special event in the country. It changed black history – and American history – creating an acknowledged culture of fundraising in the African-American community. America’s largest corporations became engaged. Small churches, teachers, sororities and fraternities became engaged. Donors and volunteers from across the country organized to support UNCF and celebrate black philanthropy.

2. The Power Of Local Volunteers - Friday, May 20, 2011

From time to time we seek to share what we have learned from Mel’s 25 years with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and his work developing and producing the Lou Rawls UNCF Telethon. In this column, we focus on the impact that local volunteers – and local campaigns – have on the fundraising of national organizations.

3. Fundraising Consultants Set Up Memphis Office - Thursday, May 13, 2010

The fundraising firm of Saad & Shaw has established an office in Memphis because of the city’s central location and vibrant nonprofit community.

The two principals of the firm, Melvin Shaw and Pearl Saad Shaw, are now based in Memphis. They will also keep an office in Oakland, Calif., where they started the business.

For Melvin Shaw, the move means he has come back home. He grew up in Dixie Homes, taught at E.A. Harrold Elementary School and owned a small business in the city before he began working for the United Negro College Fund followed by founding his own consulting firm.

His wife and business partner, Pearl Shaw, said the move will allow them to grow an already impressive list of clients.

The clients they have served include Kaiser Permanente Department of Research, the Coalition for a Safe Environment, the Women’s Funding Network, San Francisco Library Foundation, North Carolina A&T University and several other colleges.

“We’re not seeking to just serve Memphis,” said Pearl Shaw. “It’s a jumping-off spot. We can get anywhere in the Southeast. We can get up to New York. Memphis is just centrally located. We can be of service here and we can continue to grow.”

The couple is looking to expand their Memphis network beyond clients they have worked for in the Mid-South, including LeMoyne-Owen College and Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. They set up an office in the city about six weeks ago.

Melvin Shaw started his consulting firm in 1993, then merged it with one founded by Pearl Saad Shaw when the two became business and life partners. The couple met while working on a fundraising campaign.

During his time as vice president of marketing for the United Negro College Fund, he established the Lou Rawls Telethon.

“I came out of the private sector,” said Pearl Shaw. “I had worked for a biotechnology company. I had also worked for a software development company doing business development. From there, I transferred into the nonprofit sector. I worked with a major women’s college, Mills College.”

Although they have specialized in helping colleges raise money, about 30 percent of their firm’s business is with smaller, traditional nonprofit organizations. They also work with companies and corporations on cause marketing campaigns.

The Shaws have a national network of connections, but they said their clients should grow their own base of supporters.

“We don’t come with a rolodex,” Melvin Shaw said. “I know a lot of firms will say we know the Rockefellers, we know Bill Cosby, We know Oprah Winfrey, blah, blah, blah. No, we know nobody. But what we do is

provide you with the training and the development and the capacity so that on your own and with your own connections you can reach out to those people who can make a difference.”

The firm stresses fundamental goals to nonprofit agencies. The firm's website is www.saadandshaw.com and has a blog that offers free advice to the nonprofit community.

4. New Olivet, LeMoyne-Owen Gear Up for BAMM Fundraiser - Tuesday, May 15, 2007

New Olivet Baptist Church's BAMM (Bust-a-Move-Monday), which spotlights one black-owned business a month to encourage community support, is promoting a business of a different kind.

June's top pick, LeMoyne-Owen College, is in the business of educating future community leaders in Memphis, said BAMM public relations volunteer Marilyn Johnson. Chosen businesses usually are promoted through radio and television spots, eBlasts and word of mouth.

5. Archived Article: Comm Briefs - Friday, October 03, 1997
The Susan G The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundations fifth annual Memphis Race for the Cure, a 5K women-only race and a one-mile fun run/walk, will be at 8 a.m. on Oct. 18 at the Shops of Saddle Creek North. The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for ch...

6. Archived Article: Comm Briefs - Friday, September 12, 1997
The Friends of the Memphis Shelby County Public Library and Information Center is having its annual Cossitt Discard Book Sale Friday through Sunday from 10 a The Friends of the Memphis Shelby County Public Library and Information Center is having it...