So, Internet, I need a favor.
Not a big favor or anything. I don’t need a kidney, cash, or even help moving (though I’ll totally buy the beer if that ever comes up in the future… that damn armoire is a beast).
No, I need your braaaaaaaains.
Last week, I mentioned that my company is launching a little internal campaign to help raise funds for some yet-to-be determined cause. The execs are kicking down a bit of seed money to the group to get the ball rolling, and we have until the end of November to essentially “do some good” with it. There’s a little more to it, but that’s pretty much “it” in a nutshell.
And here’s where I need your help.
Being the sucker that I am, I volunteered to be part of the office committee that’ll end up naming the cause and figuring out what to do with our money. In other words, I’ve got mad influence. And while we’ve brainstormed several ideas for recipients already, I’d hate to overlook a great cause.
Soooooo…
If you were in this position, what cause would you advocate? Do you have a soft spot for the homeless? Would you build a home for a local family? Should you set up scholarship funds for underprivileged students?
There are only a few guidelines:
- Obviously, it has to be a legit cause (the Justin’s Debt Reduction Fund was already shot down).
- Nothing controversial or political, as judged by Common Sense (secret eugenics programs are out).
- It should have a local focus (in the Portland/Vancouver metro area). That doesn’t necessarily mean you couldn’t work with a national/worldwide organization (Habitat for Humanity, for instance), but the end recipient should be in the community.
Also, what would you do with the seed money? The goal is to take the seed money the company is kicking down, get everyone in the office involved, and grow that money to create as substantial contribution as possible. With that in mind, simply donating all the cash to your given cause isn’t an option. For instance, you might use the money for advertising an auction in which you sell off donated/purchased items to (hopefully) raise even more green.
So if you have any ideas, Internet, let me know. I’d be happy to throw them out to the rest of the committee during our planning phases. Either post them here in the comments, or, if you prefer, drop me an email.
Oh, and expect me to come back looking for your help later, too. I’m sure at least one of you knows somebody who can help… someone with fame, fortune, power, influence, etc. who would love nothing more than to make me look good at the office help a good cause.
