Normally, I would never sign myself up to attend a University of Arkansas sporting event. It isn't because I don't enjoy crowds, seas of people in red and white or sports - it is just that usually I don't understand the sport! Yes, I admit it, I am sports challenged. I am sure there is a special group for those of us who don't know a touchdown from a slam dunk. What I do know about is doing good and if there is an opportunity to see that in action I am all for it.
I convinced my beautiful UofA student daughter to attend RazorFest last Saturday to see what doing good looks like to Champion for Kids. Amazing! Every large corporation had a presence at the event with free kids activities. There were karate schools, dance clubs, Girl Scouts, and more. If I had a little one I would have circled the date for the next several years on the calendar. They looked like they were having so much fun!
They brought food for the NWA Food Bank, stood in line for players to sign their little footballs, bounced in houses, and won things from SpongeBob. All for free and even though they might not have realized that it was an event to raise awareness about simple service projects from Champion for Kids, grateful moms realized that all of these community organizations were giving back to them. Sweet stuff.
Starting kids early with service projects can be as easy as buying an extra school supply box for another teacher, giving food to the food bank or volunteering at your local animal shelter. We started teaching our daughter when she was very young, but not in a "this is how you do good" kind of way. We took notice of her interests and then matched them with needs in the community. (Ask us why we have had so many cats! Thanks, Animal Shelter!) All of it worked. At 22 she has no problems volunteering to do a task, work on a project, or help out at an organization. It is just part of who she is, which is what RazorFest in all it's fun is setting out to do.
As a Main Street director and nonprofit leader I see the value of incorporating kids and families in our events. I also love giving them free things to do. Families have a lot on their plate and what I have seen is that they want to help out in their communities, they just need an easy way to do it. Offer free face painting, free games, or a way for families to easily make a difference during your events. I know that RazorFest and Champion for Kids inspired me to continue adding these pieces to what I do in my community.
I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and Champion for Kids. #cbias #SocialFabric. All copy, photos, and ideas are strictly my own.
Good stuff! Your kid is a looker and so kind and smart. Well done :)
Posted by: Jasmine | 04/29/2013 at 11:47 PM