On September 22, 2010, University High School in Irvine, California, had the first-ever Count Me In for My Community philanthropy fair. Founder, Morgan Evertz realized that her classmates wanted to help in their community, but didn't quite know how to become involved; they had the desire, but not the direction. University High School invited thirteen national and local philanthropies to come together, to come to the students. During a forty-minute lunch break, 1300 students flocked to the fair. Papers were flying, music was playing, and charities were smiling. Students were visiting the thirteen booths, signing up to learn more or to work at a charity event and collecting raffle tickets for a chance to win an Apple IPAD generously donated by Ruby's restaurant. Within a mere forty minutes, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation had over 400 volunteer signatures from students. On average, each philanthropy gathered about 250 signatures; 250 potential new volunteers.
Brad Huber, freshman, the lucky winner of an iPad, summed it up best:
"This was a great promotion to help kids in high school like me to discover new and fun ways to serve my community. I plan to do some community service for Irvine Junior Games, Families Forward, Youth Action Team and the American Heart Association."
| 40-Minute Lunch Period |
| 13 Philanthropies |
| 1300 Students participated and signed up to get involved or begin working |
| Non-profit charities averaged about 250 signatures |
| Students worked with charities to finalize contact lists |
| Charities are currently using the mailing lists to get students involved in upcoming seasonal and holiday events in the community |
Here is what you will get after downloading your FREE HANDBOOK:
| Fact sheet | Volunteer sign up list |
| Timeline | Event Map/Layout |
| Sponsor Letter | On-Campus Publicity Recommendations |
| Postcards | Posters |
| T-Shirts | Flyers |
| Weekly Announcements | Pep Rally |
The First "Count Me in for My Community" day at University High School in Irvine, California, Sept. 22nd, 2010.
"Think of all the hours your school's students could contribute to your community.
I encourage you to start your own Count Me in for My Community day by using the provided Handbook, which gives suggestions on how to organize a similar event particular to your campus."
"Thanks so much. Our representative, Barbara Belfield came back with lots of volunteer names and addresses. Your event will be the model for all of the schools and your group will be the force to involve high school students with so many volunteer opportunities. Congratulations on a great event. Your photos are incredible."
"This is a great venue to encourage and assist students in identifying volunteer opportunities that really are in their personal area of interest. It is our hope that it will enhance University High School's relations with these philanthropies and demonstrate how University High students can be good community citizens now and possible leaders in future philanthropy work."
"Count Me In was a great opportunity for students to get involved in the community. It allowed many students who were seeking a service opportunity outside of school to easily find one that matched their individual interests. We look forward to continuing this event at University High School."
| The Homeless | Changing a Single Kid's Life | ||
| Fighting Cancer | Food & Shelter for People | ||
| Education | Autoimmune Diseases | ||
| Teaching Kids | World Problems | ||
| Fighting Heart Disease | ...Many More! |