Written By Christina Mink
In the spirit of environmental stewardship and community engagement, we, the passionate members of AYLUS Oyster Bay, embarked on an empowering journey from July 7 to 14, 2023, to organize a fundraising event that would leave a lasting impact on the environment and beyond.
To kickstart our mission, we took proactive steps to establish a solid foundation for our fundraising efforts. We opened a bank account, ensuring transparency and accountability in managing the funds raised. Simultaneously, we created an engaging GoFundMe website, leveraging the power of online platforms to reach a broader audience and garner support from near and far.
Determined to embrace modern technologies for convenience and efficiency, we also opened VENMO and Zeller accounts and created the digital barcode scanner, providing multiple avenues for donors to contribute seamlessly and securely.
Undoubtedly, the heart of our mission lay in promoting eco-friendly products, and to achieve this, we liaised with a reputable wholesale dealer. We carefully curated a selection of environmentally conscious items, such as bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable trash bags, organic bamboo Q-tips swabs, eco-friendly natural sponges, and innovative eco-friendly laundry detergent sheets. By offering these sustainable alternatives, our fundraiser aimed to inspire a shift towards greener choices within the community.
True to our vision, we dedicated our artistic talents to design and print eye-catching posters and fundraising logo stickers, publicizing the upcoming event and rallying support from all quarters.
To ensure a successful event, we proactively booked a booth at a local Family Festival, securing a prime spot to showcase our cause and products to a diverse and enthusiastic audience.
The day before the festival, we, the young activists, tirelessly prepared for the big day. We came together to create an array of delightful treats, including sandwiches, homemade veggie-lemonade, and bubble tea, as well as a collection of cookies, pastries, muffins, and other delectable snacks. With an eco-conscious approach, we thoughtfully packed these goodies into multiple eco-friendly paper bags with the logo sticker on, which we planned to sell at the festival.
Our holistic approach to fundraising aimed not only to raise funds for environmental causes but also to empower festival-goers with a tangible way to embrace eco-friendly living. The carefully curated snack bags, filled with delicious treats and sustainable products, were a thoughtful invitation for everyone to be part of the solution in safeguarding our planet.
As the sun rose on the festival day, the enthusiasm of us, the AYLUS Oyster Bay members, was palpable. Our dedication and hard work over the past week culminated in an extraordinary event that transcended monetary gains; it was a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives in driving positive change.
The success of our endeavor serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing environmental causes and shaping a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Gratitude to the following young volunteers, totaling 21.5 volunteer hours collectively.
Christina Mink (8.5hrs), Ariel Dai (8hrs), Johnny Chen (4hrs), Helen Chen (1hrs)
