Okay, it’s 12:30 am, and I can’t sleep because I have had an idea pop into my head that I think will be really great. If anyone has anything that they think they can add to this, please do. This was all triggered by my previous post about taking advantage of the calendar. I really got to thinking about the police/emergency medical services appreciation weeks that are coming up. I’ve decided that I am going to the city clerk here in town (luckily for me it’s my father, so it will be rather easy to get in to see him) and suggest that we do an appreciation day for all emergency personnel here in town. I think what I am going to suggest is that I will go to local businesses, and see if they would be willing to donate $20 toward the cost of the gifts for all of these wonderful men and women. Each person would receive a satin hands set (I’m sure they could all use it) and some much deserved recognition for all of their hard work. The businesses could write it off as a tax deduction, and of course I would make sure they are acknowledged for their contributions. I figure I can also see if the business owners would like to purchase either gift certificates or satin hands sets for their employees while I am there.
If this goes well here in my town, I think I may expand this idea to the other towns in my area. So, what do you all think? Good idea or not?
Update:
Apparently this has really ruffled some feathers over at PT. While I do not feel the need to justify my actions to them, I do want to expand a bit on what I am going to do so that those of you who might be thinking of doing something similar will have an idea of what needs to be done.
When I spoke with my father this afternoon, (yes, I “used” my connections in the city offices to find out the proper way to go about this – shame on me), he told me that the best way to do it would be to get the backing of the local business council. He said the city could not do it because of the conflict of interest with me being his daughter. (I had already figured that would be a problem, plus with the city council having to approve it, I wouldn’t be able to keep a lid on the whole thing.) I have already gotten the approval of the council, and begun work on getting the donations. I am not actually collecting the money until I know that I will have enough to do this. I only had time to speak to about 6 business owners today, but I have already had over $400 pledged toward this. I plan on spending the next few days visiting as many businesses as I can. Everyone I have spoken to thus far likes the idea.
It was “suggested” that if I wanted to do something nice for these men and women that I should “cook them dinner.” While that is a good idea, and I do cook dinner occasionally for my sister who is a cop and my friends at the firehouse, this isn’t what I want to do. I want to show these folks that the community supports them and is grateful for all of the hard work they put in. Are the products too girly? I don’t think so. Many of the men in my life LOVE the satin hands set. I also plan on including the new sun protection products.
Lastly, this is NOT about making money. I am doing this because I have a genuine desire to show my appreciation for these people and all of their hard work. All of these groups are currently working on a big project that is set to be completed the second week of May. I think this is the perfect time for what I am planning. ALL of the businesses and individuals that make donations will be acknowledged for their generosity. My name will only be listed along with the other businesses. My labels will not be on the products. It is enough for me to know that I am doing something that will let them know that their community supports them. That is all I need from this!
Okay, I am setting up a booth next weekend at a local car show. I want to attract as many people as possible, because I am doing this to benefit the MKACF. I have tons of brochures, and plan on playing the video about the foundation. I am going to be giving away a gift basket, and have the bags that people can recycle their cell phones. My biggest concern, is decorating the table so that people will want to come over and look at what I have out. I want this to be a HUGE success, but because I have never done anything like this, I am desperate for some ideas. Anyone have any? Posters, signs, etc.?
