A month or two ago I attended a dinner with some folks from the Nordic Ski Team from Ashland High School. After a while the conversation turned to fundraising for the team. A few ideas were bandied about and before I could stop myself I said, “Why don’t we bake and sell pies for the fundraiser?”
Have you ever done something like this? I would like to blame the wine at dinner… but clearly I like volunteering for causes that I believe in. And my son really seemed to enjoy the Nordic Ski Team when he was in high school. The kids on the team were fun to be around… and they supported each other. At the time, I was impressed with how easily they connected and was happy to contribute to their success.
It has been two years since my son graduated from high school, and yet when the need for help arose, I couldn’t stop myself from saying, “Why don’t we sell pies for the fundraiser?” knowing full well that I was freely offering my services. At the time I didn’t think it was a big deal… or maybe, I knew that it was something that I could do to support some of the kids in our community. In any case, today I spent about ten hours with a bunch of like-minded folks and baked more than fifty pies to raise money for the Nordic Ski Team.
Last night I couldn’t sleep because I knew that this fundraiser had been my idea. The phrase, “What the heck was I thinking?” kept rattling through my brain. I know that I did not have to do this… but in some way I needed to do it… to support the kids, to encourage the other volunteers, and finally, to pay back those who had supported my kids in their school careers.
Tonight I am tired but happy. A group of volunteers had a great day baking and connecting… and the Ashland High Nordic Team will be able to buy some much-needed equipment. As I look back on the day, I can say that I am very glad to have been a part of this project.
“How can we expect our children to know and experience the joy of giving unless we teach them that the greater pleasure in life lies in the art of giving rather than receiving.” James Cash Penney
Pie a Day Give Away 
Awesome..let me know when you so something like this again…I would love to be part of the volunteer team!!
Thank you Mary! I will definitely think of you when we do something like this again! You are a dear to volunteer!
So glad the day was a success, Karen! And may the Nordic Ski kids have a great season!
To all of us who know you, none of this is a surprise. You are wonderful in soooo many ways!
Janet, You are too sweet! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Lee!
xxoo
good for you Karen.