May 12, 2025 -
December 15, 2025
North Carolina Governor's Page Service Project (25 hours)
Local Service, Global Impact
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Collaboration, Communication, Problem solving, Civic literacy and citizenship, Leadership
SUMMARY
Reflection
I organized a fundraiser to support the local Community Shelter, coordinating outreach, volunteer efforts and donations while selling Festive Candlesticks. Through the Key Club Instagram Page and through daily announcements on the intercom, the club raised over $100 for the Union County Homeless Shelter. One challenge that I experienced as an organizer of a fundraiser was maintaining volunteer engagement after the first couple days of the event; some volunteers had a hard time socializing with potential donors. Another challenge was an engagement constraint, since the fundraiser was held during lunch hours, some students were not able to come up to our stand. Through this fundraiser, I learned the importance of consistent communication and the evaluation of a customer base to ensure that the item used for fundraising would actually sell. The aesthetic design of the fundraiser definitely contributed to our sales, and Key Club members were able to discover new artistic passions through this project. This fundraiser mattered because it strengthened the project management of the Key Club officer team by building our teamwork skills and by allowing for officers to explore their strengths and weaknesses. Overall, the fundraiser brought in money for people struggling in our community while also teaching my team and I important planning skills.
Project Impact
The goal for the Festive Candlestick Fundraiser was to raise $200 for the Union County Homeless Shelter. Instead, we raised approximately 130$ for the cause. The Fundraiser also provided over 20 hours of service for all members of Key Club, which ensured their role in giving back to their local community. The risk rating for this fundraiser would be low, since the candles were provided at no cost from my family. The candles left over from the event will also be donated to local rehab centers to bring holiday cheer to those recovering from diseases or illnesses. Although not meeting our goal, the funds will go directly to helping the improvished people of Union County and we will be evaluating strategy to make our next fundraiser even stronger.
PROJECTS TASKS
Page Week
10.00 hours participating in an awareness event | Connectedness
As a page, I got to shadow many different servants of the government, like the ladies at the NC Museum and at Victim Services. I helped them with their daily office work, like using a laminator and shredding paper. I also came up with and presented a public policy to our group and various directors.
Project Planning
30.00 hours leading a fundraiser | Compassion
As the President and founder of my schools Key Club, I decided to plan a fundraiser that will bring money to the Union County Homeless/Community Shelter, to better the quality of life for the people who are struggling in my area. With the Key Club officer team, I decided to work on a "Festive Candlestick Fundraiser", which would take place during the second week of December during all lunches at our school. We also planned out two club meetings that were eligible for service hours, for members to paint and decorate candlesticks that would be sold during the event. Students were also able to sign up on Sign Up Genius to help work lunches in return for service hours. The Candlesticks for this event were provided by my mother, and would be sold for 5$ each.
Publicity
5.00 hours leading a fundraiser | Connectedness
After the completion of the decorations and candlesticks needed for the fundraiser, I & my team made an instagram post to announce our fundraiser. We also made paper advertisements, and an announcement that would be read over the intercom during the student announcements.
Do the Project
10.00 hours leading a fundraiser | Connectedness
On the first day of our fundraiser, I made sure to send out reminders to every volunteer participating in our event throughout the week. I also ensured that all operations would be ran smoothly by preparing the table before the fundraiser: printing out payment QR codes, decorating, and staying for the entire period of lunch. A lot of people were interested and many bought candles throughout the week!
Project Outcomes & Reflection
5.00 hours leading a fundraiser | Compassion
The fundraiser exceeded my expectations but also prepared me for future events, teaching me how to be more consistent, reliable, and outgoing. Initially, our goal was to fundraise $200 for the Union County Homeless Shelter, but we ended up raising around $130. This came from a lack of advertisement due to the shy nature of our members, including myself -- and the lack of knowledge of what would actually sell with high school students. Nonetheless, the fundraiser still brought money to the Union County Community Shelter and also helped members of Key Club achieve their service hour requirements for the year. The fundraiser also helped students to come out of their shell -- even if they were not artistic or outspoken, they found something new to explore and something to learn about themselves.
Aid/Relief
Climate & Wildlife
Equality
