For this past summer, I have had the opportunity to be a work study student for the Athens Foundation. As a part of the Foundation, I worked on a fundraiser named Bounty on the Bricks. This was my first fundraiser of this size and I was awed to see it all come together.
I was hired to do the design for this event and even with this small part, I was able to sit in on meetings and was there to see the event come together. What struck me the most about this event in particular was that there was no waste, hardly any money spent on purchasing new products, and how everyone in this community came together to make it happen. A lot of supplies and a lot of hands were needed but most people we reached out to were happy to help. The committee, especially, contributed so much time and effort to secure what we needed and were very passionate about the event. It was great to see how much these community members cared and the outcome was incredible. After all the work (and praying for no rain!), the day of the event was here. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had so many hands on deck. From the committee, to their families, to volunteers from the school, to the high school football team, everyone was there to help.
When the guests arrived, everyone had a great time. I did not hear a single complaint and everyone continued to be generous, whether is was by tipping at the bars or tipping the entertainment. We live in such a fortunate community where everyone is willing to come together to help raise money for those in our county who are not as fortunate. We managed to raise $75,000 to contribute to food insecurity in the county and it was such an incredible experience to be a part of. 
While I was only here for a few months, I got to experience what this Foundation goes through and how much they actually contribute to this county. It is a very small group of people but through their connections and knowledge of this city, they manage to put together events like these on a regular basis. While I was only a part of a couple events, I know that they will continue to do great work and continue to be a vital part of this community. I am so thankful to have had an opportunity to work here and really see how a community can shine.
– Ina Grozeva
Article source: http://athensfoundation.blogspot.com/2013/08/bounty-on-bricks-fundraiser-coming.html
