Mercy Center, a nonprofit on a mission to end generational poverty in the greater Asbury Park region, on Thursday announced it recently welcomed Kara Grimes as its new development director.
Grimes, a resident of Oceanport, brings extensive experience and a history of notable achievements in nonprofit fundraising and communications. Most recently, she served as development and communication director at Mary’s Place by the Sea, a nonprofit based in Ocean Grove that offers women battling cancer peaceful retreats steps from the ocean.
During her seven-year tenure there, Grimes successfully raised $1.4 million annually, increased budgeted revenue year-over-year and produced an Emmy Award-winning video that effectively communicated the organization’s mission and impact. Prior to her role at Mary’s Place by the Sea, she served as vice president of events at the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and also led events at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
At Mercy Center, Grimes will be responsible for leading all fundraising initiatives, including overseeing major gifts, individual giving, planned giving, special events and an upcoming capital campaign to expand the organization’s facilities. In addition, she will manage the organization’s marketing and communications efforts, helping to amplify Mercy Center’s mission and increase its reach within the community.
Mercy Center Executive Director Kim Guadagno expressed enthusiasm for Grimes’ arrival, stating: “We are incredibly fortunate to have Kara join our team. Her experience, particularly at Mary’s Place by the Sea, demonstrates her ability to connect with donors and drive significant fundraising success. We are confident that Kara’s leadership will help us achieve new heights in our mission to break the cycle of poverty in our community, one child, one family at a time.”
