Now, stop! Just because we don’t have class for a few weeks doesn’t mean we’re not working. Of course, I was on vacation for a week, but I’m back and more charged (and slightly injured–not that great of a story) than ever. This week, thanks to Papa Rick, Marquita and I are combing the earth, struggling to find businesses who would like to donate–merchandise, gift cards, anything–for our raffle auction, part of our Signature Event, in October.
While I’m happy to support Project Learn (and I think I’ve without a doubt demonstrated my dedication–how many of you would really dress up in character and costume and perform to help make a successful event: thus far, I’m the only one at this office), I hate to make these phone calls. Okay. Now, hate is strong word and to be honest, once you get started, you kind of get in a groove, which makes the soliciting a little easier to take. And…more often than not, you just end up faxing the event information and hoping that the people in charge find the cause as important as all of us do. However, I just dread when I actually have to give a sales pitch to somebody. I hate asking people for money. It’s not that I think I’m too good to do the work. I don’t know why, but I just feel guilty when I’m doing it.
While some of you might disagree with me, I’m not a saleman honest. I can’t smooze people and talk them in to the hard sell. And it’s not just business-oriented: I hate asking my friends and family for money. I mean any money. I’m not a huge fan of asking friends to help me out when I’m shy 50 cents at the checkout counter.
Knowing that it will make a difference is the only thing that keeps me going (That and Rick’s constant reminders that it helps pay for my salary). No, but seriously, fundraising is a vital part of our organization, and every employee (or anybody who will help) has a responsibility to do it. It’s been said time and time again: everything has a price. With that in mind, providing people with the opportunity to help themselves doesn’t come free either. We need all the support we can get. Hope to see you all on October 18 at our signature event. But until then, think of me wincing time and time again when I call another restaurant or retail store and ask to speak to a manager.
Kolter
