Aside from the fact that you promise your money before -- but in anticipation of - your annual raise, and can donate just a few dollars a pay that you will never miss, the neatest part about CFC, I think, is that you get to choose which of the charities YOU want to support. So I get to choose Bethany (our Adoption nonprofit), Boys & Girls Club (my little buddy Jasmine spends so much of her time there and it is a great program for hard working families to have a structured, safe place for their kids after school), and Community Health Charities (a federation of nonprofits out there to help people who need an extra hand when they become ill-- dear to my heart considering the disability stories I hear everyday). And I don't have to support all of the 2,000 charities.... especially the charities that I have fundamental issues with or that spend a good portion of their "donations" on operating costs. Just the ones that matter to ME.
Anyway, I can NOT believe the generosity our first TWO days of our Gwinnett SSA Campaign brought. We have already reached 46% of our $10,000 goal and just 12 out of the 48 employees have turned in their pledges. Of course, the most eager are generally going to be the most generous, but not necessarily. We had fun at our kickoff --- Between my experience teaching Middle School and my time spent at Pampered Chef Consultant Meetings, let's just say my new co-workers don't see my quiet personality quite the same anymore. In case you've never seen me in front of a group of people, well, I can get a little goofy because for some strange reason it makes me more comfortable if people are laughing at or with me! (Did you know those robbers took my bunny ears I wore to announce the Midtown Easter Egg hunt?!?!) People seem genuinely thrilled to have some energy for the campaign this year-- a lot of people have thanked me (and the other keyworker) for making it fun and not so serious. One person said, "Thanks, Jen! We never had anything like that before!" And that's awesome when you are talking about a mandatory 8AM meeting!
How do you make a request for contributions fun? You say stupid stuff like "in case you are challenged in math like myself, they have this chart attached right here to your pledge card so you can cheat and figure out what your weekly amount x 26 pays equals", and you hand out miniature noise makers and encourage sleepy people wearing work clothes to laugh and make noise whenever you say "CFC"! Then you say "CFC" a lot, and when they stop making noise, you repeat yourself until they make noise despite themselves. (Think word of the day from that show... what was it... Pee Wee Herman!) Oh, and give them doughnuts. And then, once they're already smiling, just ask a bunch of rhetorical questions and leave the choice to them....
Maybe some of my rhetorical questions will lead you to support a nonprofit before year end as well.... it's a tax deduction you know.... betcha a dollar goes a LOT further in a nonprofit than it does as tax revenue.
What are some of your favorite comforts in your life? Can you think of a group of people who might need one of those things? Have you ever had a time where a helping hand made all the difference to you in your scenario? Is there a group that's doing something similar for others so you can pay the favor forward? Do you, a family member, or a friend have a health problem that needs more research, support, or aid for it's victims? Do you have a favorite but often forgotten person, place, or thing? Is it pets, kids, senior citizens, or some other worthy group? What cause matters to you?
Difficult economical times are especially difficult on non-profits because people are less willing to give. Isn't it ironic that it is during the difficult economic times that the non-profits are needed the most? A little bit often goes a really long way, and the joy you'll feel after sharing is more than worth your sacrifice!
No comments:
Post a Comment