Was there a particular moment in your life where you knew it was” make it or break it” time? One of those moments that you (and possibly others along with you) worked tirelessly towards; giving it every ounce of your energy, your time, your skills, your brain power and even your own financial resources? October 9, 2010 was one of THOSE moments.
That was the first Masquerade Ball fundraiser for The Chelsea Hicks Foundation, and I was there for it! We’ve just wrapped up our fourth successful Masquerade Ball event, and you might think we’d be breathing a sigh of relief – that keeping this organization going is a piece of cake. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth. Each year, the Masquerade Ball is a “make it or break it” moment for CHF. This annual event is our major fundraiser for the year and the results have a large impact on CHF’s ability to commit to future growth of the program until we do it all over again. Is that how your business operates? Or is that how you manage your own personal finances? I doubt you generate income ONCE a year, hoping and praying that you’ll be able to make it last and generate those funds again at the end of the 12 months!
Are you sensing the stress of functioning on a once a year inflow of income? I hope so. Because my message is intended to do two things: first and foremost, express sincere gratitude for every single dollar that has been generated from the amazing Masquerade Ball fundraisers! Nine hundred critically ill children are COUNTING on the success of that fundraiser. Second, I hope to reach out and ask for your support (either personally or through your business) throughout the year. There are endless ways that can be accomplished, but here are a couple of options: The easiest would be to sign up for a monthly, reoccurring donation directly through the website at www.chelseahicksfoundation.org. (And check with your employer regarding matching amounts; your contribution could easily be doubled each month!) Or, you might be a small business owner or an executive of a larger business; perhaps a form of sponsorship or grant would be a better option for you. The staff of CHF is eager to discuss how we can partner with your business! CHF has partnered with some amazing businesses including The Campbell Group, Walmart, Nordstrom’s, United Way giving campaigns, PGE and even in-kind support through several businesses; growing this type of community support is a top financial goal for CHF.
This blog isn’t about who CHF is and what we do. You can read older blogs for more specifics about that. This is about what CHF NEEDS to continue to successfully achieve its mission: When serious illness impacts a young person’s childhood and a family’s well-being, CHF’s creative programs provide hope, support and opportunities to share special moments together and create memories to last a lifetime. CHF has a part-time CEO and Director, who uses her precious work hours to get ready for Chelsea’s Closet visits and meeting with businesses, volunteers and hospital staff. CHF has a part-time CFO managing income and expenses and spending countless hours planning and preparing for the annual Masquerade Ball. The efforts needed to run costume drives, sort and store costumes and supplies, and regularly bring our program to the hospitals are almost exclusively accomplished with volunteer hours. Currently, CHF is in demand for growth from the hospitals served. These hospitals want visits from Chelsea’s Closet to DOUBLE as soon as possible – and in order to do that, CHF needs to double its capital. We need a full-time CEO who can continue to build partnerships in the business community and schedule fundraisers and costume drives with local families, school, churches and businesses.
We need financial commitments to support CHF 365 days a year. Which day can you take?
Shelby Nemecek, Board Secretary 2013
