Good morning Denis,

Although we have not met I have such gratitude for your contribution to Chicago COUNTs: A NetSquared Camp, which took place last Sunday, September 12. I am confident that without your generous support, the event would not have happened. This day-long conference brought together 70 technology and nonprofit professionals to talk about technology in the nonprofit sector. The participants learned about social media, analytics, data management, free software and other tools available for free online, and so many other topics that are useful in the world of technology. So many organizations just do not have the ability to hire technology professionals to support their work. Additionally, so many technology professionals are eager to volunteer but are overwhelmed with the process and not really sure how to find worthwhile organizations where they would like to volunteer. The conference brought together those two groups.

Throughout the day, I was continually overwhelmed by the extraordinary people who were attending the conference. As someone who is passionate about networking and creating meaningful connections between people, I was thrilled to see the connections being made. There was a feeling expressed to me by so many participants that the event was so much more than just a conference. A number of the participants told me it was by far the best event they had ever attended because the people who were there were so inspiring and the learning that took place was so valuable. The conference certainly surpassed any expectations I had for the day.

To give you an idea, here are some of the tweets sent to me following the conference:

• An inspiring day!
• As I recall the day on my way to O'Hare, I can't help feeling how lucky I was to get to attend #chicounts. Thank you!
• Thanks for a fantastic day at #chicounts great information and even better people. Much appreciated!
• Can barely express my feelings about the day in words. THANK YOU!!!

Additionally, there was also a feeling that this conference was a launching pad for bringing the nonprofit community together to collaborate and coordinate efforts. The focus point would be technology, but would lead ultimately to other forms of collaboration and coordination. Here is a tweet that illustrates that point.

@chicagocounts starting now. this is just the beginning of nonprofits in Chicago collaborating around tech!

Chicago COUNTs: A NetSquared Camp was a wonderful day that I believe provided an important service to nonprofit organizations and technology professionals in the Chicago area. Thank you so much for providing the support that allowed this event to take place.

If you would like additional information or have any questions about the conference, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Heidi Massey Conference Coordinator