FAQ's

What is the meaning behind of ECHO in the Valley and what is it?

ECHO in the Valley stands for Engaged Communities Have Opportunities (in the valley). It can also mean Engaged Communities Help Others. It is a CA registered Non-profit organization, 501(c) 3, which raises money for the currently identified needs of our community. 

Who does ECHO work with and how does it determine the current needs in the valley?

We work with local non-profits and other foundations in order to ascertain their most urgent funding needs. For example, right now, Covid Relief funds are needed for nurses and other frontline workers that have been furloughed or received hourly wage cuts or reduced hours. The hospitals and care centers have put together application processes in order to determine who will receive assistance. ECHO will throw fundraising events that will help raise both awareness and funds for these urgent needs.

Who started ECHO in the Valley and what is their experience with fund raising?

Bryan Hunt, the Founder and CEO, has been working with many charitable organizations within the valley since his move here from Pittsburgh, PA in 1997. To name a few, he has helped raise funds or acquired gifts in kind for CASA, PINK, The Saint Agnes Women’s Club, PAL, The Poverello House, and many others. He is currently on the St. Agnes Foundation Board as the President of Saint Agnes Men’s Club (SAMC) of which he has been a member for 12 years. Last year, SAMC raised over $300,000.00 for various programs funded through the St. Agnes Foundation. Through his various roles within SAMC, he has acquired a skill set for putting together charitable events, finding donors to underwrite those events, and making sure the people that attend the events feel welcome and educated about where their generous donations are allocated. The Board of Directors of ECHO is an amazing team of volunteers who are experts in their respective professional fields. Please see the “About us” section on the website for more information.

What types of events will ECHO be holding and how safe will they be during this Pandemic?

ECHO will be holding outdoor events that are Covid friendly. We want everyone to maintain their physical health, as well as their mental health by participating in safe but social events. We ask that all participants wear a mask at all check-ins, and maintain good social distances. All payments at the events will be done using our special QR code and the participants’ own phone, making all payments “touchless”. Participants simply take a picture with the phone and they will be directed to the pay site where they can pay using credit card, debit card, venmo or PayPal for various items for sale at the events.

How can I volunteer for the events?

Please visit our website and drop us a line. We ask that all our volunteers be socially responsible, and that they have not been exposed to anyone with Covid19 in the last 2 weeks. If there is any doubt, sit this one out! That being said, we are not a large organization and we can use all the help we can get!

Do volunteers get paid?

Currently, volunteers for ECHO in the Valley do not receive a salary, and that includes the Board of Directors and the CEO. This is a purely volunteer organization done out of the love of giving back to our communities. This maximizes our impact in the community, and assures donors that we are being responsible with their generous donations. Appropriate meals and drinks are of course provided for all volunteers at each event. 

What is the company culture like and who can volunteer?

ECHO is an equal opportunity volunteer organization. Anyone in our community is welcome to volunteer and discover the joy of giving back to their community. Our goal is to provide events for the community that are a fun, safe diversion from the daily grind. We want people on board that are both respectful and fun-loving by nature. Appropriate attire based on the location of the event is also expected, as many events will be held at Country Clubs that have dress codes. If there is a question about what you should wear the day of the event, please feel free to contact us. 

Where is ECHO located and how can I get in touch?

ECHO in the Valley is based in Fresno, CA. We can be reached via our website www.echointhevalley.org “stay in touch” section and also the “join us” button will direct you to our email. You can get in touch with the CEO via email: bryanhunt@echointhevalley.org 

Thank you for your interest in our company and for staying engaged in your community!