The Reception

Posted by Gabe on September 22, 2010 under KAH Day 2010, Kids are Heroes | Be the First to Comment

I read a tweet early on on my blogging days that “blogs without pictures are boring”.  I tended to agree so from then on I have made it a point to have at least one picture accompany my blog posts, even if it meant me buying them from iStock.  This post will have no picture.  And it’s not because it doesn’t deserve one.  It’s just because when we have receptions at Kids Are Heroes Day they are not about marketing or sharing with anyone else. These events are for the kids and their families.  Period.

To recap, Kids Are Heroes Day is an annual event where we invite the children from our web site to come to Frederick, MD and share with others what they do and why.  It’s wonderful to see these like-minded kids come together and inspire those that meet them.  This will be our third annual event and our fourth of the kind.  The first event had no get-together afterwards as is wasn’t something we thought of.  Last year we had an event at our home and it was the first demonstration of why something like this was so necessary.  In June of 2010, we had a similar event in Gettysburg, PA.  Because it was 90 minutes away, we decided to have a reception at the hotel afterwards.  It was to be from 6PM-8PM in the area next to the hotel pool.  All I can say is that it was amazing.  The kids had a blast swimming together as the parents got to bond in the courtyard.  Hardly anyone knew each other but that mattered little.  The kids could not be separated; as the pool closed at 10PM they were still planning where they could meet afterwards.  It was also great being able to chat with the parents. Most of us are Facebook and Twitter friends and we now network with each other on a daily basis.

So why is having a get-together with just the heroes and families so important?  I honestly believe these kids will be our future leaders and by meeting each other now they are getting a jump start on establishing their networks.  In ten to fifteen years from now they will be able to rely on each other for support.

We have also heard from parents of these heroes that there are other reasons why it is so important for them to meet each other.  Some of these children are bullied in school because of what they do.  Others feel alone because their friends seem apathetic.  Knowing that there are other children out there that are like them helps them validate each other and recharges their batteries to keep up their charitable work.

We are actively seeking sponsor(s) to fund this event.  We estimate its cost to be $1000 which will serve 50 people for two hours at the hotel.  If the sponsor wishes we will place their signage up at the reception as well as at the main event on October 23rd.  We’ll even blog about you.  So if you know of any companies who would like to take on this small but very meaningful project please have them write to: info(at)kidsareheroes(dot)org.