Fundraising Friday: This is a pep talk.

Yesterday morning, a colleague and I met a gentleman who'd been giving to Feed the Children almost monthly for nearly 40 years.

His name is Charles, and he’s in his early 80’s. Charles told us something that I may never forget.

A few years back, someone from Feed the Children had stopped by to see him and personally thank him for his decades of faithful support, but Charles wasn't home that day.

They left behind some information about how his generosity had helped children over the years. They also left a Feed the Children hat.

What Charles said next nearly brought me to tears.

That hat?

He keeps it in his car. Takes it everywhere. The grocery store. The doctor's office. Church. Anywhere people might see it and ask about it.

Why?

Because when they do, Charles gets to tell them about Feed the Children and encourage them to give.

This is a guy who's been giving for 40 years, and he's not done. He's still out there trying to get other people to join him. He's an ambassador for the cause of ending childhood hunger.

That's why I love fundraising. That's why this work we do matters.

When someone gives, they're not just sending money. They're saying, “I trust you with my hopes for a better world. I believe in what you're doing, and I want to be part of it."

It doesn't matter if it’s $5 or $5,000. Every single gift represents someone’s desire to make things better.

Every envelope you open, every online gift you process, every thank you call you make.

These aren’t just transactions.

They’re a chance to connect with real people like Charles who believe in your mission so much they've made it part of who they are.

So ... the next time you're having one of those days where everything feels like a grind, remember Charles and his hat.

Remember that you’re not doing this work alone. You’re doing it alongside an army of amazing people like Charles who want to change the world.

You’re not just a fundraiser. You’re part of something so much bigger.

You are helping good people do amazing things, year after year after year.

Keep up the good work friends! It’s a privilege and an honor to do this work.

-Michael