Mission Basilica Parish, A National Shrine

San Juan Capistrano, California

“With gratitude I commend DSG for the outstanding work that they provided for our Basilica Project Campaign. I could not be more pleased with the mentoring, strategic planning, and most significantly for the support and guidance provided for our parish volunteer leadership."

“This wonderful success is rooted in your strong conviction of carefully crafting a “pre-campaign” phase in which we listen carefully to the hopes and expectations of leadership within the parish as well as seeking input from the parish at large. This created a wonderful opportunity to actively engage the parishioners and begin engendering their “ownership” of the campaign and its various case elements."

“Your many years of dedicated involvement in parish-based campaigns and your theological understanding of placing these campaigns within a “stewardship” model created a most successful “fit” for Mission Basilica Parish. I could not be more pleased that our $3 million dollar goal has been exceeded by pledges of over $3.6 million!”

Church of St. John the Evangelist

Sacramento, California

“Don’t change your approach to capital campaigns. It works very
well. It is very compatible with parish life today. The emphasis
upon prayer and building community spirit are the key ingredients
that make it so successful."

"Other consultant organizations always seemed too aggressive in how they approach parishioners, almost telling them the amount they should give. DSG’s approach respects the individual first and foremost, and allows the people to come to a decision on their own, and in the context of prayer and understanding the case.”

Padre Serra Parish

Camarillo, California

“Congratulations for guiding our capital campaign to $3.7 million in pledges. Our Campaign Council is particularly grateful that this achievement surpassed DSG’s projected $3.5 million goal and that our cash base was expanded to $1.4 million for our new parish center project. I am convinced that in the years ahead this faith community will be calling on DSG again for another project."

“Ed, ever since we first met back in the early 1990’s in Los Angeles, I have had the utmost respect for you, your work ethic and your ability. I am grateful that we have been able to continue our association for the benefit of Padre Serra Parish.”

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Bakersfield, California

“St. Francis of Assisi Parish has successfully surpassed our $5 million capital campaign goal. I am very pleased to recommend Chuck Trinone and Development Services Group (DSG). DSG services in the pre-campaign were invaluable. DSG was vital in helping us recognize the need for a capital campaign, provided the framework and timetable for the campaign, as well as the expertise to make the campaign a reality."
“Our campaign leaders and volunteers relied upon DSG’s direction and training to assist us achieve our goals. We are especially grateful for Chuck’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership to our success. We greatly benefited from the proven materials, resources and services that DSG provided throughout the campaign. The information statement and brochure challenged our parishioners to Pray, Participate and Pledge to this exciting project.”

Church of the Resurrection

San Diego, California

“My heartfelt support and endorsement to Ed Lemma and Chuck Trinone for their
dedication, leadership and expertise. Much of the success achieved in our campaign we directly attribute to their consultation, training and support"

“DSG was evaluated along with three other companies who specialize in capital campaigns. DSG was the only firm to offer the most complete campaign package to address our specific needs to build a new church. Every step of the way, DSG guided our team to a better understanding of the task encouraged us to keep moving forward while providing the fundraising tools to complete the various activities, events and timetable.”

Holy Redeemer Church

Portland, Oregon

“What very much attracted me to DSG was the faith-based approach to the Campaign. This approach was not an advertisement. It was true from start to finish. You really encouraged us to see this work in the context of stewardship. Your approach gave life and meaning and direction to the words — “Pray,” “Participate,” and “Pledge.” Your own faith in God and in the Church shone throughout the Campaign."

“Without you we never would have reached our goal. I honestly did not think that we would reach our goal. But at every step of the way you encouraged me to keep hoping and to keep working. You were patient with me when I didn’t feel like doing all that you asked me to do. Very early on, I could see that you knew exactly what you were doing. You worked so well with our parish staff and parish leaders. All of us quickly grew to trust you. I would highly recommend you and DSG to anyone who is planning a parish or school campaign.”