Page 20 - 2019 Annual Report United Way

MAKING A MARK A FABULOUS TRANSFORMATION “Fab 5” Youth Venture Team Goes from Timid to Award-winning United Way Youth Venture staff and volunteers regularly see their students grow into their potential as they work together on their projects. This past year, one team had an especially inspiring transformation that even caught the attention of the White House. The “Fab 5” team was formed in fall 2018 at Ayer Shirley Regional High School with the goal of supplying the Apple Valley Assisted Living Home with games, coloring books, and other activities. At first they were shy and nervous. They struggled with presentation skills and confidence during mock panels and were very timid in conducting phone calls during their research. However, after a few weeks of practice, they gained confidence in their work and shocked everyone with their presentation at their Community Panel. They officially launched their project soon after and continued to make impressive strides, eventually creating one of the most successful student-led fundraisers in Youth Venture history. Their team project consisted of a calendar raffle fundraiser, which entailed calling more than 35 businesses to get donations and knocking on over 500 doors to sell calendars. In total, they sold 250 calendars, earning a staggering $2,500. Team members purchased games and activities and spent time using them with residents at Apple Valley. In recognition of their efforts, Fab 5 will be receiving a national presidential service award for their community service work from the White House. UWCNM is proud to enable the Fab 5 and other Venture Teams to impact their communities while developing leadership and professional skills.