Thank You Everyone!
This year has been crazy for so many reasons, but it’s no secret to anyone that since the capital campaign started, Stomping Ground has been dreaming bigger than ever before. When I came onto this team, Jack’s goal was for camp to raise $50,000 in the coming year. I wasn’t too intimidated by that number. Fast forward to now and we are chasing a multi-million dollar endeavor, a project that can solidify the future of camp.
But I think it’s important to stop and reflect during a crazy adventure. Our team calls them “check-ins.” How are we feeling? What’s working? Have our goals and passions changed? And today I don’t want to check in with Klee, Jack, or even Laura! I want to check in with all of you. The donors, supporters, families, staff, alumni, and friends. The people that make all of this possible. We have to do a check in, because I need to express to you all how grateful we are to have your support.
There is no secret strategy to Stomping Ground. None of us went to fancy marketing school or have extensive training in traditional fundraising. What we do have is an incredible network of individuals who recognize the power of people coming together. Take our most recent fundraising event as an example, the Dance Marathon we held at the UUU Art Collective. I had seen master plans for these types of events. How to effectively advertise your cause, recruit participants, and engage the community.
Our master plan was a little different. Our staff from previous summers led the charge as dancers and participants. They acted as ambassadors for camp, blew up the event on their social media, and texted their family and friends to give to camp. Our campers came and brought the energy. Our parents even came, and brought the food! And when everyone expected us to only raise a little bit of money, we walked away with $15,000! That is the magic of Stomping Ground.
So for every instagram post you like, we thank you. For every phone call you answer, we thank you. For every email blast you receive, we thank you. For every donation you make, we thank you.
We just need you to know every small impact adds up and we don’t take it for granted. Our team will continue to lean on you. We need your energy and drive to motivate us, and make this campaign a success. Stomping Ground cannot do this without you. Thank you for being a part of this crazy adventure.
And thanks for checking in with me Stomping Ground fam!