Crisis Overnight: It’s 2 a.m.

I’ve almost hit the wall during my 12-hour volunteer time. I’m sure I’ve annoyed some with the frequency of my tweets, posts, Facebook updates, etc this evening. However, I made a promise to my community to donate my entire social media presence to the cause of saving our crisis center. It was what I had the ability to give. So I did. 

I’m reflecting upon the evening and I realize that we will not meet the original goal of $150K in 12 hours. And that’s okay with me. It was an ambitious goal and DOES NOT discount the $20K+ (online and in person) we raised in 12 hours. I’d say that’s pretty impressive. We’ve had donations, tweets and messages from all across the United States. This night reenergized the staff, the residents and our community. There’s been electricity in the air (despite the fact it’s roasting in there and no A/C).

Tonight I heard people compare this experience to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A woman actually said, “It’s like when they came to rescue George Bailey.” An executive at the center told me she, “cried all day because they now have money to pay the June 30 payroll.”

An advocate at the shelter, Valentine, stayed with me until the 2 a.m. mark, even though she has to be back at work by 9 a.m. She said, “I’m staying because I want my job to be here next month.”

I had the privilege of listening to two women share their personal stories of pain and the life-source this center means to them.

Please forgive me if I’m rambling a big, the exhaustion has set it. 

I’m not giving up tonight, because here at the Community Crisis Center, they don’t give up.

Thank you for listening, watching, participating and donating.

(I’m also well aware of donor fatigue and will not be asking my network for any type of charitable contributions in the immediate future.)