I am not usually one to offer up an entire weekend for “a good cause” and this is not because I don’t believe in good causes, but mostly I just really love my weekends.
Of course I have my charities that I donate to on a yearly basis like the local animal shelter and the Susan G. Koman Foundation. But normally you would never catch me building playgrounds or playing shuffleboard at the retirement home.
So when my girlfriend suggested that we participate in the Avon Walk for breast cancer, I was a little more than hesitant. For one, I hate asking people for money, for two it was almost 40 miles, and for three it was an entire weekend of walking!
I kept thinking, can’t I just donate the money and say I walked? But, as my girlfriend pointed out, it is the experience of the walk that is fulfilling. Surprisingly, she was right!
After sunburns and blistered feet pounding the pavement on a weekend that was much hotter than predicted, I realized that I truly enjoyed the entire experience. At a certain point during the walk I had lost my teammates since everyone walks at a different pace. Normally I would hate to be by myself walking all over DC, but everywhere you turned were other walkers with big smiles and friendly faces. I was not alone at all – I had company the entire walk and met some incredible people.
Before the event even began, I was nervous about raising the required amount of $1800 and of course I procrastinated and sent out my letters, emails and pleas three months before the big weekend. I could not believe the support that came rushing in and in no time I checked my balance and I had surpassed the required amount and managed to raise over $2,000! Friends, family and co-workers made donations with such excitement that I wasn’t sure if they were glad I was walking or that they didn’t have to.
So despite the sunburn and blisters, I am now hooked on the euphoric feeling you get after a “good cause” and I’m looking for my next fix.
Whether you are in the pest management industry or not, I know that many people volunteer their time either through their company or individually. Tell me your stories or let me know about any “good causes.”