Help a Sista Out!

The key thing to remember about charity work is that you're not alone. You can always find someone to help in some way, and you can always find someone who is in need themselves. And to that same extent, you can throw a rock and are pretty much guaranteed to hit at least a few benefits and fundraisers every day of the year.

First off - if you have fundraisers and enjoy people participating in them, pay it forward and participate in someone else's fundraisers. To me, the only reason you should hesitate is simply to give yourself time to figure out which one to get involved with!

I struggled with the last point for quite a while. There is no right or wrong answer. As much as I'd like to have the ability to be at all of them, there is just no physical or financial way for anyone to attend *everything* they want to support. I, in general, try to participate in at least one fundraiser for every fundraiser I have/ plan on having. So if I have a putt-putt tournament, bikini bike wash and benefit concert, I should go to at least 3 other fundraisers. Great, I know how many I want to (at minimum) participate in, but the real trickery is figuring out which three!

My first criteria is of course the level of personal tug I feel when I think about a particular fundraiser. If it's a friend's fundraiser, then hands down I'm there. Even if I can't donate, I try to show up and show my support. Also, if it's a fundraiser for a group or cause that I'm involved with then I'm much more likely to attend.

My take on fundraisers is simple - you could just write a check, or you could go have a good time and write a check. Obviously, I try and go with option #2 as often as possible :D

On that note, check out this cool fundraiser tomorrow night in Arlington! http://www.pinkjamsdc.com/