I would like America to look like the fall semester at my public high school. Fall is Charity Ball season, an annual effort to generate support and awareness for a select nonprofit. Charity Ball brings a wide diversity of our student body and community together to accomplish a big goal. Since it began 12 years ago, Enloe students have raised almost $500,000 – and their awareness about important challenges faced in our communities. This fall, I am fortunate to be a part of the leadership team that plans it.
Four principles make Charity Ball a success. First, we harness the talents and strengths of the entire school community. Artists have an art show, athletes arrange a softball tournament, and future business leaders tempt adults with donuts in the carpool line. It is not any one group’s ambition, but a collective endeavor. Second, we ensure our leadership reflects student diversity. There is buy-in to the goal because everyone feels like a valued part of the process. Third, we craft a big vision in order to do big things. This year the goal is $200,000, and a plan for deeper connections with the nonprofit. We create a bold goal and then figure out how to reach it.
Finally, we leave no one out. The culminating activity is a dance. While ticket sales are important, all students are able to attend the party whether they can afford it or not.
Charity Ball is a time where every person can come together to achieve something bigger than all of us. If every day looked like this, the world would be a better place.
Sadie Buxton
Executive Council Officer
DONATE now.