With spring in the air, any Greeks at the University of South Carolina can agree it is also the season of philanthropy. This past week truly illustrates that claim by consisting of a 14-hour Dance Marathon, Turtle Tug, TKE Week, the start of Derby Days, and a major fundraising push by Relay for Life. But with all the buzz words -- donations, goals, philanthropy, and many more -- buzzing around, we start to forget the entire purpose behind them.
Not unlike many other organizations, my sorority highly encourages participation in Dance Marathon. We set a high fundraising goal and put heavy pressure on members to reach out to every possible resource for funds. This, too, is not unlike other organizations on our campus. But with all the pressure to reach high goals, do we forget the entire reason we are fundraising in the first place?
The positive energy of events like Dance Marathon can quickly fade in and out based on the attitudes of those around you, and one I heard way too often was, “Why do we have to stay here all night if they've already got our money?"
Yes, that is a true statement, but it completely misses the purpose of Dance Marathon. It isn't about getting as much money as possible by a midnight deadline, or sending desperate text messages to high school classmates you haven't checked in on in years, hoping for an extra buck or two. It's about collecting donations from neighbors, family, friends, teachers, peers, and anyone else who is proud of your selflessness while you endure 14 hours of dancing on your feet to benefit children fighting for their lives in a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Anyone can send emails, write letters, and make phone calls asking for money. But not everyone can stand for 14 hours, learn a complicated line dance, and stay positive all the way through the end to feel the excitement of flipping the grand total raised.
Growing up in a thriving city, there were constantly advocacy groups knocking on our door or calling us on the phone, asking for donations. My dad always had a powerful response: “would you be willing to do me a favor for my donation to you?" While many would say no, the ones who did volunteer to perform an act for my dad proved they had a dedication to the cause and really wanted to see its success, no matter the sacrifice it involved. And while my dad never had them come over to wash his car, the mere fact that they were willing to made it that much more convincing that he should donate.
So keep this in mind the next time you are asked to raise funds for an organization. While it is important to “lend to those less fortunate a helping hand," as Phi Mu's creed encourages, it is also important to focus on that purpose rather than getting lost in the numbers and achieving goals. While half a million is highly appreciated, so is half a grand, or even half of one hundred.
So, as we push forward through the rest of this philanthropic semester, let's keep in mind the real reason we are here, and ask ourselves what about this is helping somebody else. That true connection to the organization will shine through as you as neighbors and friends for support, not just donations.
