Donald M. Kuhn, the founder of Walter Karl Inc.’s fundraising division, died last Friday in Vail, CO at 83.
Kuhn began his DM career in the early 1950’s as a copywriter at Sears, Roebuck. He soon entered the nonprofit ranks when he joined the National Tuberculosis Society (later to become the American Lung Association). He worked at the ALA for 30 years, eventually becoming national director of development.
In that capacity, he oversaw the conversion of 14 million donor records from metal plates and 3×5 cards to a huge computerized database, according to Larry May, CEO of Direct Media.
Kuhn joined Walter Karl Inc. in 1990. His clients included Easter Seals, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, March of Dimes and Arthritis Foundation. In 1991, he received the Direct Marketing Association Fundraising Achievement award.
He was still active at the time of his death as a consultant with May Development Services.
“He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues,” said May.
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