Thoughtful Notes from Harmony High

Over the past two months, a group of 23 students from Harmony High in Florida have been on their philanthropic journey, led by Scott Farnsworth, one of our founders and a wonderful advisor to families in the Orlando area.  Throughout their adventure, the students share their experience through their blog writing.  Here are a few of their comments throughout the program….

“From the non-profit panel I learned that it is very important to talk with a representative or board member of an organization before donating because you get a true understanding of the organization and of the people running it. Sitting down and taking to someone in person helps to get a feel for the passion behind the organization and the reason it exists rather than a hollow description on a computer screen. I am learning that it takes a lot of effort to fundraise money and now I am starting to appreciate and recognize the hard work that goes in to it.” 

 

“The MAD cards were fun to use. It was hard to decide what we’re only 5 main things I cared the most about. I learned that I cared most about children. I learned that a lot of people in our class cared so deeply about many different causes.”

 

“I was so excited to deliver the check to our organization.Having all the organizations come in to receive the donations and seeing their reactions was amazing.  It felt so good donating and raising money with my group.I really enjoyed participating in Main Street Philanthropy again it was a fun and great experience. I wish I could be back next year to participate again but this will help me continue to give back and it encourages me to do so.  This whole experience was life changing no matter how many times you go through it you always learn something new.  I really enjoyed working with the Medical Marvels and donating to the Ronald McDonald house of charities.”

 

I learned the multiple ways to evaluate an investment of a company. With today’s modern society there is plenty of ways to check the background of a company like checking their website, call, or email. For my group it was easy for us to go talk to them personally before looking up on a website since they are located at the school! I find that it is relatively easy to evaluate a non profit organization because all company’s must post their numbers and information.

 

“I interviewed my mother because I felt like it was important for me to learn about her past and what shaped her in to the person that she is today. One thing she said that surprised me was a problem in the world that she would fix, which was starvation in children. It surprised me because I didn’t know that was something she was passionate about. I learned that my mother has a very broad set of things she’s passionate about and things she would change in the world today.”

There are so many more wonderful thoughts and quotes that could be shared from this class!  Once again, I’m amazed by the growth and thoughtful nature of this next generation of philanthropists.  Please join us in congratulating them and encouraging them to continue on their journey of generosity!