The last couple of days have been filled with phone calls and meetings, in an effort to get some more sponsors for the race. Let me tell you, it’s rather exhausting…but so worth it : )
So yesterday I went out with a list of businesses that my dad thought I would be able to stop by without setting up a formal meeting. So I went to the first place on the list. Luckily the owner was available, so I got to have a quick word with him. Unfortunately, right after I handed him the letter, he said he was unable to donate any money. Boom. First encounter with rejection. When I left I was pretty upset. It’s a little bit disheartening to be told no. I mean, we all know that being told “no” is normally not fun. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that it wasn’t the end of the world, or of anything for that matter, to be told no. So I continued on and called or showed up at multiple other businesses….
I’m now up to 8 sponsors, waiting to hear back from another 8 businesses, and still contacting about 21 more : ) I find that tremendously exciting.
So, now I truly realize that not everyone is going to say yes and donate money…but some people will. And more than that, all of the people who had to decline did so because they were unable to donate. It had nothing to do with them thinking it wasn’t a good cause, or that I’m just 17 so it’s too risky. All of those people said things like, “I think it’s amazing what you’re doing, but unfortunately we have already maxed out on our donations.”
And that makes me happy. Everyone has still been overwhelmingly supportive, and to hear people say “We’ve already given too much” is a great thing. Even if it’s not going towards my cause, I love knowing that businesses are donating to all these great charities & events, and actually maxing out their budgets. Because it’s really all going towards one united goal of improving our world.
I really couldn’t ask for more than that: People giving to improve other people’s lives. It’s a beautiful world : )
