Working together

How much of a difference can we make?

A Brooke Ogudenau creation.

I often consider a gentleman who works at the local Holiday Market in our tiny town of Cool. He's likely in his 70's. He isn't a cashier, and I've never seen him stocking aisles. He greets customers and retrieves the shopping carts. I understand he retired a few years ago after working at our HOA. He treats his job of welcoming the Holiday Market customers like a privilege, acknowledging every customer with a “hello” and a smile.

I've been told he makes it his job to collect donations for the homeless in our community. I believe he's also a writer.

I wrote about Jordan and Brooke's visit a few weeks back.

Brooke is a highly talented artist specializing in creating custom artwork and graphic designs for individuals and businesses. You can find her here on IG.

Jordan and Brooke currently reside in Kauai, but until a few years ago, they lived in Maui. Having been there for some time, they made many friends, some of whom were unfortunately devastated by the recent fires.

Wanting to help the fire victims, Brooke designed the beautiful t-shirt above. They were able to sell all but five, which Rick and I purchased last week.

Brooke informed me they raised $5,000, most of which will go directly to the victims. A small amount went toward supplies and shipping.

I lost my breath when she told me the amount they had collected.

It is easy to underestimate our ability to help others. Who would have thought a few t-shirts could raise that much money in just a few weeks?

My mind shifted, comparing my art (writing) with Brooke's, asking myself how I might help with more than words? We have donated, and one of my recent posts solicited info regarding organizations or individuals accepting donations for the victims. Could I do more?

After chatting with Brooke, I considered additional possibilities. What if I asked for paid yearly subscriptions (it would make little sense and would be too much follow-up if it was only a monthly subscription) and donated my proceeds to Maui residents. And what if I included one of Brooke's t-shirts for the first five Founding Member subscriptions or upgrades from a current yearly subscription to a Founding Member subscription?

I liked the idea of using the five t-shirts, which raised $175 for the victims, increasing that number. Why not?

There was only one "why not."

Feeling vulnerable, I fear that my request/offer will come off as a ploy to get more paid subscriptions. And I fear that no one will respond and when asked how much I was able to generate, I will have to admit I was unsuccessful. Embarrassing. Vulnerability is looming large, telling me to turn back.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

I've written about Vulnerability often, even devoted a chapter in my book to it. How much do we leave behind because we fear what others will think? It's a subject I know well and have studied often since I began blogging in 2018.

I've put a face to Vulnerability and even given it the name V'billityBob, along with a personality so I can talk back, continue a dialogue, and overcome. I sometimes win the argument. Even as I write this, I'm considering scrapping this post and writing about something else. Vulnerability is a strong opponent.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

To answer V'billityBob's question, do I want more paid subscribers? Yep. It has been my goal to make money writing for a long time. And to be clear, Vulnerability, I'm no longer apologizing for wanting to succeed on Substack. In fact, I'm happy to shout it to the skies above. I'm having the time of my life.

What's that, V'billityBob? Will this idea of mine net me a profit? That may be in one year if new subscribers continue their subscriptions. Any further questions, Vulnerability? If not, I have one.

Let's find out; hit the subscribe button if interested, and read below for the details.

I'm owning this one, V'billityBob. Stand down.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

I will donate the proceeds of all Yearly or Founding Member Subscriptions received through September to aid the victims in Maui.

Yearly Subscription $50.

Founding Member $100.

Monthly Subscriptions will not be applicable.

Upgrades from Yearly to Founding Member $50.

If you are already a Founding Member, you can Venmo me $50 for a chance at the t-shirt and your donation will be included in the final total, Venmo @Suzanne-Ferrera last four 2120.

The first five Founding Member Subscriptions or upgrades from Yearly to Founding Member subscriptions will receive one of the t-shirts above. I have one extra large, one large, one medium, and two smalls; it will be first come, first serve. Let's see how far these shirts can take us. I will follow up on this post at the end of September.