CJ Westrick-Bomar named Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer

Theresa Maggio and Gailya Brown
·3 min read
CJ Westrick-Bomar was inspired to help others by her parents and grandmother.
CJ Westrick-Bomar was inspired to help others by her parents and grandmother.

CJ Westrick-Bomar’s impressive career working for the U.S. Attorney’s office, running a California Attorney General’s campaign and owning a retained executive search and management consulting firm serving Fortune 500 and emerging companies has made her an invaluable volunteer. Her creative marketing has encouraged charities to think outside of the box and include wow factors that make their events memorable.

It’s no wonder that the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) have selected Westrick-Bomar to receive this year’s Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award at National Philanthropy Day in the Desert (NPD).

Westrick-Bomar’s desire to give back was inspired by her humble and generous parents and grandmother, who at 94 years old was feeding the poor the day before she died. By age 9, Westrick-Bomar was performing in March of Dimes shows to raise money for the fight against polio. For eight years, she performed at hospitals, USO shows and charity events.

“I learned early how important it is for a nonprofit to set themselves apart by creating an exciting and easily recognizable event brand that attracts donors to support their cause, year after year," she said.

In 2008, Westrick-Bomar asked Betty Ford to be the first honoree for the Coachella Valley Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship Luncheon (CVAP). She branded the event the Diamonds Are Forever Scholarship Gala along with the honoree’s award The Diamond Award and initiated the Diamond Award Legacy Scholarship Fund.

She then went on to successfully produce and brand dozens of events and fundraising campaigns, including Keep the Music Playing for the Waring International Piano Competition; Loving All Animals' Fabulous Feathers & Fur Follies' and Celebrate the Bloom for the College of the Desert Academic Angels membership luncheons.

Westrick-Bomar’s generous volunteerism spans more than 15 years of raising awareness for Eisenhower Health Dolores Hope Auxiliary, McCallum Theatre Muses, ACT for MS, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital and Tools for Tomorrow (TFT).

Westrick-Bomar has served on the Visionaries Tools for Tomorrow board since 2014. She has chaired and produced the Vision for the Future Award luncheons, honoree pictorials, on-stage performances, children’s feature films and digital media.

During the COVID pandemic, TFT took on the challenge of hosting a virtual gala with a live and silent auction. Westrick-Bomar’s goal was to produce an entertaining, fun, and informative show. The result was a 90-minute online event that showcased the children’s art, creative writing, musical talents and theater productions and included a cameo appearance by actor Richard Dreyfuss.

“We learned, don’t be afraid of going into unchartered waters," said. "Ingenuity and a great collaborative team can make it happen.”

Her outstanding creativity in marketing and event production have helped raise awareness and record-setting donations, not only for TFT, but for every nonprofit Westrick-Bomar serves. It’s often said; “You won’t find CJ at her table during an event, you’ll see her working side by side with the AV team."

AFP President Kristin Bloomer said: “CJ is indeed a visionary who has helped so many of our colleagues continue their innovative missions. We are proud to pay tribute to the many legacies she has created.”

The NPD Awards will be presented on Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. by emcee Patrick Evans from KESQ News Channel 3 at the Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells. Special thanks to NPD’s exclusive TV media sponsor KESQ News Channel 3, presenting magazine and virtual media sponsor Palm Springs Life and presenting newspaper and digital media sponsor The Desert Sun and LOCALiQ.

For information on sponsorship or becoming an AFP member, contact Josh N. Zahid at jnzahid@llu.edu, call (909) 226-1085 or visit afpcadesert.org.

Theresa Maggio is the business development director of The Competitive Advantage, a full scope business development and revenue generation marketing firm in Palm Desert. She proudly serves as the PR writer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals CA, Desert Communities Chapter.

Gailya Brown is a fundraising consultant with more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising. She is a member of AFP CA Desert Communities chapter and received the 2021 Outstanding Fundraising Professional award.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: CJ Westrick-Bomar named Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer