Karen
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Partners in Mission
Dubuque, IA
In October 2014, Karen Ann Tuecke became Partners in Mission Coordinator (previously Development Director, we changed the name partway through employment to be more friendly with our donors) with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She began her journey by creating and strengthening relationships with the Sisters, their families, staff and friends of the community.
By reverencing relationships and fostering partnerships, Karen will expand the network of friends and supporters. This stewardship drives the mission and ministry served by the Sisters of the Presentation.
Karen has networked with various orders of Sisters since 2001, when she began her career in fund development and grant writing. She firmly believes, “Relationship fundraising is an approach to the marketing of a cause which centres not around raising money but on developing to its full potential the unique and special relationship that exists between a charity and its supporter.” (Relationship Fundraising: A Donor-Based Approach to the Business of Raising Money, 1992). She will identify the donors’ passion and match the time, talent or treasure with the needs of the community.
A native of New York, Karen came to Dubuque, Iowa in 1998. This is where she met her husband Todd, and began a family. Todd and Karen have two daughters, Kristine (age 15) and Kennedy (age 9). Both girls are very active in their parish and school, Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa and St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Parish in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.
Karen is active in the community and currently sits on a number of not for profit board of directors. These include St. Joseph School Athletics, Parish Council, Sustainable Dubuque: Wading Pool Gardens, Project Concern (past board member), Loras College Dubuque Area Swimming Hurricanes’ (past board member) and communications committee board member and past co-chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and National Philanthropy Day.
“Some personal goals are to learn each Sister’s story and convey how each story impacts others. The result will be a celebration of unity from the communities we serve and encouraged engagement in our ministries.”