This week, I got to discover the in-depth world of asking for money from other organizations. To start the week, I spent time looking for companies that I thought would maybe be willing to donate to the upcoming fall fundraiser: Netcare Foundation’s Community Awards and Recognition Dinner. One part of this event’s fundraising is the silent auction. I spent a plethora of time this week looking for companies that would be willing to donate gift cards, merchandise, free stays, and more as auction items. After applying, some companies have already given quick replies to our requests for donations. Though I would love to report back and say that many of these responses were an enthusiastic “Yes, we’d love to donate,” they were not. I have quickly learned the art of rejection. However, in this process, I learned how much more sweet victory feels after being repeatedly rejected. The first acceptance to my donation request was small. However, nonetheless, this small victory felt like I had won a gold medal. 

I also worked this week to research grants that the Netcare Foundation will be eligible to apply to. I was amazed at how fun this research was, and the numerous different types of foundations around that help to support non-profits like Netcare. 

I am sad to say that I also committed my first blunder this week: a typo on one of my social media posts. Oh no! As my mother has always taught me: “make mistakes and learn from them.” And that I will; I can assure I will be triple checking my social media posts from now on! 

As the long weekend approaches, I am really looking forward to next week. I get the exciting opportunity to hear some of the stories of Netcare clients next week, as we create a promotional video to highlight the company.