Week 5

Week 5 was filled with many different tasks. As usual I updated the social media sites,worked on the newsletter, and edited the annual report. In addition, this week I was allowed to assist with two different fundraising events. Before starting this internship, I would have never imagined how much work is put into hosting fundraisers. In high school and college I have participated in different service projects. However, nothing that I have partipated in compares to the events that are being planned at Big Brothers Big Sisters. On Saturday the event Battle of the Badges was hosted by the Escambia County Sherriff's office for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Thankfully, the Sherriff's office did most of the organizing, but I still made signs for the event and showed up in support at the softball field to watch the games.

The other event that I contributed to this week is an event in November called Kabuki. The event will take place at a Japanese Steakhouse in Fort Walton Beach and raise money by tips and a silent auction. My task on Wednesday was to call 29 different business and ask for silent auction donations. My typical dialogue would be, "Hi my name is Kaylea Todd, and I am working with the nonprofit organization Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are having an upcoming fundraising, and I was wondering if you would like to partner with us."

After the initial dialogue, I faced many different conversations.Some bussinesses responded positively and told me they would partner with us. Other business wanted more information via email. However, most said they would call back or just declined the offer because of financial reasons. At first I was very uncomfortable asking for donations, but this process became easier as I called more businesses. This assignment allowed me to learn how to tactfully ask for donations. Overall it was a positive learning experience with many benefits. One of the benefits occurred this morning when  I recieved an email from Embassy Suites in Destin stating that their donation is in the mail. This email resulted in a feeling of accomplishment by knowing that I helped make that donation happen.