We hear it a lot, the old saying that goes "Nothing in Life is Free." I've said it plenty of times, haven't you? Well, I got reminded this weekend that sometimes that's not true.
I find myself doing a good bit of volunteer work with organizations that I believe in, and I'll be the first to say that some of it benefits my business. I'm not ashamed of that in the least, particularly since owning my business is what allows me the flexibility to volunteer as much as I do. But many of the things I give my time and energy to have nothing to do with bringing business in the door.
Every year I join a group of other volunteers and photograph "prom" pictures for a group of special needs folks at their annual "No Limits Formal Dance" in Winston-Salem. The attendees come from all over the triad, and they truly have a night to remember. I was told they had about 900 in attendance this year.
So on Friday night, we set up four photography stations, using volunteer photographers, assistants, and check-in staff. The equipment was donated for the night. Some wonderful folks worked for weeks making corsages and boutonnieres to give to the attendees. There were literally hundreds of neckties and bow ties available for the guys--again, free of charge. I don't even know all the other things that were donated to help make this a very special night.
What I do know is this, my co-volunteers and I did it for free. I had a great time, I enjoyed seeing everyone all dressed up and enjoying the evening, I got a lot of hugs and smiles, and I was reminded how blessed I am with my health. So maybe it wasn't free after all, looks like I got paid pretty well.
Ok, you all know I love babies. The cutest thing other than a baby (or a mamma with a baby bump) is those itsy bitsy shoes. I don’t like to put them on the itsy bitsy feet, because those little toes are too cute to cover up, but I DO like the shoes. Cuteness!
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