This week was focused on learning more about our group members from the team we formed last week. The exercise was to bring items the describe us in a brown paper bag, and we would go through them as a team to learn more. My friend, Michael, brought a Philadelphia 76s bus to show his love for basketball, and his iPod for his music. I brought in headphones, my license, and my car keys. I was already friends with Michael prior to this exercise, but i still learned new things about him. Unfortunately, our other group member George, was not in attendance. This activity was very helpful in learning new things about the team I’m working with.
Week 2
May 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
During this week’s class, we played a game with several different cards. These cards helped us to narrow down which branch of charity we felt most strongly about. I ended up choosing the veterans as my number one option. I feel strongly about this because they risk their lives for us overseas at war, then often come back home to poverty. I think the veterans deserved to be taken care of when they return home from war. I see veterans on the streets, holding up signs explaining how they are hungry and need food. This is unacceptable to me. There were other kids in my class that felt the same way as i, so we formed a group to learn more.
Week 1
May 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
This week was our class’s introduction to Main Street Philanthropy. We started off by watching a video, which pretty much showed different student’s experience with MSP. We then met Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Denison, they then explained their passion for philanthropy and how they first became involved in it. We then discussed as a class what we thought about philanthropy, the meaning of philanthropy, and if we’ve every been a part of philanthropy. I learned a lot during this week and look forward to the next class and learning more.
May 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Week 8: This week we were given the task to interview a family member, mentor or friend. I chose to interview my mother who grew up in Connecticut. When I asked her about what her life was like as a child she told me about her times on her family farm with her pony named Alice. She said that now a days it had become much more urban and less rural. As money advice goes my mother told me that I need to make my own money and not always live off of my parents earnings. I thought this was an interesting experience because I learned things about my mother I did not yet know.
Week 9: Today was a tremendous day with lots of excitement. We started our journey at the quantum house where we learned about how they were helping residents at the hospital. I was glad to meet some of the families because the house originally seemed empty. Then we visited our site where captain T was helping a veteran. I thought it was very moving because he just went out of his way to make a difference and asked for nothing in return despite his time invested. Then we visited the palm beach county food bank where we had a great lunch. Thanks again. Then we ended our endeavor at Peggy Adams where we learned a lot and had a chance to see some neat animals.
The End of Our Journey
May 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Looking back at the very first Philanthropy class, I am proud to say we have all come incredibly far. When I first heard about the things we were going to be doing and the money that we would have to raise, I didn’t think we would be able to do it. At first, I thought this was completely impossible for a bunch of students to accomplish. It was only after visiting the charities when I finally realized…we did it. We actually made a difference.
Our first stop on our journey was my groups charity, the Quantum House. Words can’t explain how amazing it felt to be standing next to my group while holding this big check. Everyone was so welcoming and from the moment you walk through the doors, you feel like you are at home. This was one of my favorite parts about the Quantum House- they try their best to make you feel comfortable. Even though some of these children may have been sick, they never made them feel that way. The house never gave them a “hospital” feel, which is great. There were bedrooms, playrooms, boardgames, etc. I think it is so important for the patients to feel normal. They aren’t different from anyone else, and they shouldn’t have to feel like outsiders. It was difficult to see or hear stories without crying, but Quantum House gives people a reason to hold on and keep going- even when they feel as if all hope is lost. We raised $1,017.16. I couldn’t have done this without my groups help and the guidance from our fellow Philanthropists. Thank you so much for everything. This was an experience that I will never forget.
The second stop was the operation troop support. This area had a completely different feel to it. While driving around the area, we could immediately tell that these houses were not homes. I thought it was amazing how there were so many workers that were helping build these new homes. When we arrived, they gave us a quick tour and told us about what it used to be like before they began working on it. Although they are still in the process of making it feel more like a home for the veterans, I think they have come so far in the work they have already done. I truly think it was amazing that George and his group chose this organization. It is something that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
The third stop was Scripps. The campus was beyond beautiful and the workers were extremely friendly towards us. Since we were running on a tight schedule, we received a quick tour and heard more about the different laboratories/lab equipment. The group presented them with their check and began to take pictures. It was so great to see how happy they were.
The fourth place we visited was the Palm Beach Country food bank. This was one of my favorite visits. I really enjoyed this visit because the workers were extremely kind and they played us a video regarding the countless amount of children who go to bed hungry every night. It was definitely an eye-opening video that I will never forget. I think we all tend to forget how essential food, water, and all of our everyday “basic” foods are. They showed us where they keep the food and how they send it out to families in need. This is something that I would definitely want to do over the summer or whenever I have spare time. After leaving the food bank, I realized how happy it must make these families when they see that people truly do care. It really taught me to cherish the little things in life because it can happen to any of us, which is why it was so great to see all of the workers talk so passionately about their topic.
The final place we visited was Peggy Adams Animal Shelter. Although I worked with Peggy Adams a little over the summer, it was still great to be back! The ladies showed us around the shelter and brought us closer to the dogs/kittens. My favorite part about this shelter is that they never euthanize the dog- even if the dog has been there for years. It was very comforting to know that they never harm any animals or put them to sleep when they have no where else to be. This was a very important organization because unlike humans, animals can’t speak their minds. It was great seeing the group speak on behalf of the animals at the shelter.
This class has taught me lessons that I thought I would never be able to learn. It taught me that it is essential to give back to your community, connect with others, and that nothing is impossible. We aren’t too small to make a big difference on the world. With love, time, devotion, and help from our friends or family…anything is possible.
For the Philanthropy team that we had the pleasure of working with…
Thank you so much for making this possible for us.