When Bronwyn Dannenfelser graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Theatre in 1996, she saw a stage and acting career in her future.
Years later, Dannenfelser found herself acting on a slightly different stage than she envisioned while working as the WaterFire spokeswoman at the Providence Business Expo. She pitched the project to anyone and everyone that stopped by. That experience, during her first day on the job, ignited her passion for the organization and a subject she once dreaded – fundraising. After spending several years acting and modeling in the United Kingdom, she returned to the United States in 2003 and began working in the auto industry. It was not long until the acting bug struck again, drawing her to Manhattan. Instead of an acting job, Dannenfelser found a Rhode Islander, married and returned to the Ocean State.
Dannenfelser joined WaterFire Providence in 2005 as a development coordinator. Within two years, she became the director of development. She worked closely with WaterFire board members to turn around a three-year organizational budget deficit and launch a series of new fundraising efforts. Under her supervision, sponsorship levels were restructured and reorganized, resulting in the largest earned income from sponsorships in the WaterFire’s history at the end of 2007. She matched that amount again in 2008.
Dannenfelser played an integral role in the implementation of the new WaterFire Web site in 2007, and the creation of a raffle which has raised over $20,000 in additional revenue. She is also responsible for managing the Brazier Society, a high-end donor program that includes access to an exclusive reception area and other benefits.
In addition to developing and managing an annual sales plan with a $1.7 million sponsorship target, Dannenfelser is responsible for marketing and public relations. •
