Sunflower Kid's: Meeting One

"Hi, my name is Shelbi. May I speak to someone regarding charitable donations?" I must have said this sentence a million times on my first day volunteering for sunflower kids--but I didn't mind.

I researched and called
local businesses and recorded my
results on a data sheet.

My responsibility on my first day at Sunflower Kids was to help raise money for the silent auction they were planning. Some of the girls I was volunteering with were tasked with following up with businesses with an email, but I was to reach out to a list of local businesses to see if they were willing to offer a donation towards the auction. Usually I shy away from phone calls, but being on the business end of a phone call is less intimidating, so I embraced my job.

I have been to a few silent auctions that my home church has hosted, but I have never thought of the work that goes into a fundraiser like that. I soon found out, though! I called tens of businesses that covered the front and back of one sheet of paper and then continued onto a spread sheet. I was surprised by the number of businesses willing to donate something. Many wanted more details about the event or the organization, but they were open to the possibility of donating.

This photo was taken as I was calling
one of the local businesses. They said yes!

A few of the businesses that I called already had an organization that they supported regularly. I thought that this idea was really interesting! As I was calling, I had hopes that one of the businesses I called would consider supporting Sunflower Kids on a regular basis. It would really benefit the organization, as it is relatively new.

Honestly, my throat was a little sore after my time volunteering for Sunflower Kids, but I was not upset at all! I had managed to gather a few donations for the live auction and gather even more businesses that wanted more information. It was extremely satisfying to here a “yes!” on the other end of the phone—especially since it is ultimately going towards a great cause. I enjoyed my first visit, and I am excited to see what my next task will be when I volunteer again.