It’s time to make a difference

August 7, 2012

Welcome to August, the last month of summer. I’m sure everyone has been busy either working, interning, or vacationing, but there is one last thing everyone should make time for: charity.

This summer, I have made the effort to attend various fundraisers and help different organizations. Maybe you’re attending a fundraiser with friends, siblings or your parents this month. If so, you’re probably wondering, what do I wear to a fundraiser? The answer to that question depends on three things: where the fundraiser is, what time of day, and what type of fundraiser.

I attended a fundraiser for a local organization, J.A.G., which stands for Junior Auxiliary Group. This organization supports Atlantic General Hospital, located in Berlin, MD. They hosted their fourth annual fashion show and dinner at a country club. I took a friend with me, and we both wore dresses with heels. I would suggest a business casual look for any type of fundraiser hosted at a country club.

Another fundraiser I attended was for the PJ Aldridge Foundation. A friend of mine is the marketing director, and she put together a Zumba Day at a local park. Zumba instructors from local Power House Gyms took time to come out and teach. The registration fee was $10.00, and Zumba was planned from 9a.m. until 4p.m. There was even a time blocked out for children’s Zumba. It felt amazing to advocate such an amazing organization, support a friend, and enjoy myself while doing it! What did I wear, you ask? A tank, sports bra, yoga shorts, Reebok zig techs and no makeup.

Maybe your area is lacking in the fundraising department. Why not host your own charity event?

Here are my tips for hosting your own fundraiser:

First, determine the organization you would like to help, and contact them.
Second, establish where to hold the fundraiser. You may need to reserve the pavilion at the park or the room at your local community center. Ask them for available dates.
Third, gather all information (ex: the organization’s pamphlets) and supplies for your event. You also want to determine the donation price for each guest.
Fourth, make invitations, flyers, and post them everywhere.
Fifth, enjoy your fundraiser and have fun!

Putting together a fundraiser takes a lot of hard work, but in the end, it is well worth it. Many businesses will donate their services and/or goods if they know it is for a good cause, so you shouldn’t have to spend much money out of your own pocket. If you do not have the luxury of scheduling when to attend a fundraiser, much less plan one, another option is to volunteer. A non-profit organization can be advocated in more ways than one.

For example, I recently contacted a non-profit organization, H.E.R.O. Housing, Education and Rehabilitation of Orphans in Haiti. I asked if I might advocate the organization. The president emailed me, I told him my plans, and brochures are being delivered to my home. It was that easy!

What do you do to help out those less fortunate?