Happy Friday, Sturgis!
With the last couple days of our annual haunted house upon us, I find myself once again reflecting on the incredibly generous and caring spirit of our community. Over the past few days - and even weeks - we have met and worked with so many amazing volunteers that simply want to make Sturgis a better place for their neighbors. This positivity and kindness shows in the hours our volunteers have donated and the funds that have been given freely by local businesses (thank you, Pioneer Bank and KBHB Radio!) to make production as big as this haunted house possible.
Your volunteer hours are vital to our town's success.
A quick Google search shows, "Approximately 63 million Americans — 25% of the adult population — volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. The 2016 national value of volunteer time is $24.14 per hour." That's a small percentage and a LOT of value in each volunteer hour! Can you imagine - how would our community grow if everyone, not just 25% of us, donated a few volunteer hours each year? Our nonprofit organizations help so many people on such little funding; it is easy to see how much of a difference each of these hours makes. Without you, many nonprofits would not be able to continue providing food, entertainment, shelter, access to the arts, or other services at all.
Volunteering time and energy is not easy or convenient.
It takes a conscious effort to dedicate a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon to building a hand-crafted wooden bridge for our haunted forest room (thank you, White Canvas Art Co.!) or dressing up in full costume and working four days in a row over a holiday instead of spending time out with friends. There is a clear opportunity cost analysis that takes place, "If I volunteer for this event, I won't be able to attend a Halloween party tomorrow night.. is it worth it?" The people who determine, "Yes, it is worth it for the benefit of my community" without the promise of financial compensation or public recognition are truly incredible, selfless individuals.
Thank you to ALL of our volunteers, sponsors, extra staff hours, and supporters for your contribution to making Sturgis a phenomenal place to live and work. If you are interested in volunteering for an event or organization, please contact us anytime to discuss opportunities.
Sincerely,
Veronica Grosek
Executive Director
Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
& Visitors Bureau