This week, I had the opportunity to work with the ETSS Advancement team on a few key topics of focus. Primarily, I worked a great deal with the team on soliciting Evening of Promise donations from various businesses. For our auction in October, we have been focusing on gathering donations for 10 key categories: food, coffee, breweries/distilleries, entertainment, sports, self-care/relaxation, jewelry/accessories, collector’s art, home goods, and miscellaneous.

For the biggest part of my journey thus far, on Tuesday, I joined my colleague Destiny in venturing to Easton to request in-kind donations for our auction. We went everywhere, from Cheesecake Factory to Red Giraffe Designs to LEGOLAND Discovery Center. While most places weren’t able to give right then and there, as oftentimes donations must go through the corporate office, many took our contact information to get back to us as soon as they could. It was heartwarming to see how many places want to give back to the community in any way they can!

Along with in person donation inquiries, I have also focused a great deal on online donation requests. These often work better for larger companies, such as the Columbus Zoo, the Cincinnati Reds, Jet Blue Airlines, and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Because these companies are so grand in size, it often takes a while to receive a response. However, we are excited to have received our first two donations from Pass the Glass & the Columbus Zoo already!

Finally, I have been given the responsibility of setting up various local fundraisers to raise money in order to make our Evening of Promise a phenomenal event. I’m delighted to be meeting with the Events & Marketing Coordinator of North High Brewing next week at their taproom in order to see the space and best capture all of our ideas! Just today, I’m thankful to have talked with the Events Coordinator of Seventh Son Brewing Co. While we still have to make sure this date works for everyone here at ETSS, I’m so excited for our first fundraiser to (hopefully) take place on June 29!