Barbara Prescott Selected for 2025 ARS Presidential Special Honor Award

At its Spring Board Meeting, the ARS Board unanimously bestowed the Presidential Special Honor Award on Barbara Prescott, of Lebanon, New Hampshire. Perhaps best known for her part in the business of Prescott Recorders, Barb has also made significant contributions as an ARS Board member.

Barb served two four-year terms on the Board of Directors, from 2014 through 2022. According to ARS President Carol Mishler, “Barb Prescott led this board in a great leap forward, by cajoling, explaining and convincing us that we had to embrace fundraising if we wanted the ARS to thrive as a national organization.”

Barb herself confirms this giant leap, which was a significant undertaking for her, as well. She recalls, “I asked the other Board members ‘What would be the most helpful area for me to dig into? The answer was a thunderous ‘Fundraising!’”. With no experience and little knowledge of fundraising, Barb called on her own research skills and enrolled in a series of excellent online courses that took a full year to complete. Once she had grasped the basics, it took another six years to educate staff and fellow board members and put ideas in action.

Barb assembled a fund-raising plan, established regular campaigns that both educated and inspired donors, and looked for additional opportunities for willing donors. The board did its part, with hand-written notes to prospective donors, thank you notes, and phone calls.

With Barbara’s initial leadership in these efforts, over her term, the ARS had a 38.9% increase in contributed support. As the organization’s expertise in attracting donations increased, so did its programs. Scholarship and grant programs expanded, and an Artist Relief Fund helped many recorder professionals make it through the pandemic. Success also led to new benefits such as free recorder beginner classes, technique tips, and the expansion of the ARS music library.

The ARS board is a “working board,” not an honorary one. Barb’s enthusiasm and willingness to dedicate her time to improving the organization’s fundraising efforts demonstrates  just how big a difference a committed board member can make. Barb’s efforts were transformative for the organization and leave a lasting positive impact. “For all these reasons,” notes President Carol Mishler, “we are delighted to present this Special Honor Award to Barbara Prescott. It is but a token of our appreciation for all she has helped us accomplish.”