PLEASE CURSOR DOWN AND WATCH THE VIDEO!
I've volunteered for Susan G. Komen for many years, and in 2015, I really wanted to do something special for them. So, when my school selected me to do a National Merit project and gave me the list of categories, I knew I wanted to put on a talent show/fundraiser for them. I thought it was a way to raise as much money as possible for them, PLUS it would allow me to do something I love - perform on stage! I also decided to have it benefit The Valley Outreach Food Shelf in my community at the same time.
I recruited 44 performers, including myself, for around 20 performance pieces. I had around 13 helpers, including 2 queens from the Miss Amazing pageant, and in addition to the speeches I personally gave, I had 4 other speakers. The speakers included a top breast cancer radiologist, a breast cancer survivor, the director of events from Komen MN, and a pageant friend, who spoke about the food shelf as well as about her platform.
We had two sponsors for the event, a videographer from Headfeathers Only and my talent management agency, as well as financial support from two dance companies. We also had several silent auction items, including gift baskets from Borton Volvo, Borton Overseas, a photoshoot, a pageant coach package, an appearance by Queen Elsa, and many more.
After the talent show, I continued to receive checks in the mail from people who were unable to attend. Combined with door knocking, email & letter solicitations and Snow Queen Elsa charity appearances, I ended up raising nearly $7000, becoming the top Komen MN Twin Cities Race for the Cure fundraiser that year!
I had the price of admission include two non-perishable food items. I am excited to report that I raised over 800 pounds of food at just that one event.
I made a presentation to the National Merit judges about my project, and was awarded the highest National Merit award category! Because I donated more than 250 hours to Susan G. Komen, I was also awarded the Gold (the highest category) Presidential Volunteer Service Award and earned my school letter in community service.
This is a condensed version of the talent show. To allow it to fit into YouTube, I had to shorten it. I had to take out some of the speeches and on-stage introductions so I could fit in all of the talent's performances.
I knew I'd have to market and advertise my event, so I made a student PSA about why Komen is important. I sent this out along with many of my e-mail solicitations. I was hoping it could help me raise funds from people who were not able to attend the actual event, or maybe even help encourage people to join my fundraising race teams.
To donate to Komen, please go to: www.komenminnesota.org.
Copyright 2010 Michelle Bergh's Community Service Page. All rights reserved.