Vampire's Blood Drive: Going out with a SCREAM!

The Pledge 5 Vampire's Blood Drive benefiting LifeSouth is coming to an end, and soon Vlad the Vampire will be returning to his cozy-coffin home. The fun isn't over yet, though!

The drive was a huge success, and is going out with a SCREAM this Friday at Sharab Lounge in downtown Gainesville with the Vampire's Ball. At 10 pm, guests in their best Halloween costumes will join us for a night of free food, dancing, and chances to win prizes with competitions like the Mummy Wrap and Best Scream.  There will even be a list of daunting drinks, including:

Blood on the Rocks
Vampire's Kiss
Vampire's Lemonade

The Bloody Orange
Vamptini

Ages 18+ are welcome, and there will be plenty to do even if you're not enjoying our creative concoctions! This will be a blood-curdling night you don't want to miss. Click here for more information!


We've been so busy promoting the blood drive and Vampire's Ball that you are probably wondering what we are going to do with all this free time. The truth is, we have already begun work on our next two events! The first is a benefit concert benefiting Toys for Tots that will feature local talent at the Venue on November 19th. The cost? One toy donation that will make the holidays a little brighter for a child. There will be plenty of prizes raffled off and you can enter our t-shirt design contest for the chance to have your design on the event shirts!

In the mood to take a few risks? Then the next event is for you! Also supporting Toys for Tots is our charity poker tournament, which will be held at Ocala Jai-Alai on November 21st. Regardless of who takes home the pot, children will be the real winners at this event! What was your favorite childhood toy? Let us know by posting on the P5F Facebook wall and you could WIN!

Keep following Pledge 5 on Twitter and Facebook for more information! Make your pledge today to create change in your community.

Upcoming posts: "Benefit concerts resonate with communities," "Homelessness and children", "How much is that toy worth?"

--The Pledge 5 Team

MentorSHIP: Helping youth navigate rough seas

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."

-Winston Churchill

In 1904, a journalist by the name of Ernest Coulter lamented the harsh treatment of juveniles in the court system, stating to a group church members that "there is only one possible way to save that youngster: to have some earnest, true man volunteer to be his big brother, to look after him, help him to do right, make the little chap feel that there is at least one human being in this great city ... who cares whether he lives or dies." That day, Coulter gained 39 volunteers who became the founders of what is now the largest mentoring program in the country--Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Since then, mentorship programs have sprung up from many sources. Small towns, large universities and even nationally-endorsed programs such as the MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership have connected young people with somebody to encourage him or her to simply be more. Maybe it is more involved on campus, more motivated in school, or finding more reasons to smile. Whatever it may be, mentoring revolves around the idea that every person has something to give back, and in turn, something to learn. Mentorship is a two-way flow of information that participants agree has the power to change lives. The included quote by Winston Churchill strikes at the very nature of mankind--the most fulfillment in life comes from giving, not from earning. While we, as Americans, constantly seek to prove otherwise, every poll and study shows that humans find the longest-lasting happiness from altruistic activities. Some label it reaching the "meaningful life," a stage where we no longer focus on only finding joy for ourselves, but rather obtain that joy from knowing we positively changed the life of another.

Becoming a mentor is an easy way to move toward this stage. Every person has something to give. Are you a college student studying business? Mentor a high school student about personal finance. If you love children, there are dozens of ways to help them with activities ranging from sports to something as basic as being there with a congratulatory high-five when they get an A on their homework. An hour or two a week is a small time commitment, and it really can make an impact, particularly with young people. Growing up is when attitudes and ambitions are cultivated, and many youth struggle to find a role model and direction, particularly in lower income areas where both parents often work and going to college is not the norm. If a mentor can be there to remind them of goals and be a bright source of hope and encouragement, that child will see himself or herself in a new light both at the present time and as he or she imagines the future. Many "at-risk" children just need someone to believe in them in order to soar.

So, if you are looking for ways to fulfill your 5-hour pledge this year, become a mentor and help a young person navigate around the many obstacles and deterrents that life places in their paths. All children have sails capable of billowing in the wind, they might just need someone like you to be that first gust.

Gainesville Mentorship Opportunities:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida
Foster Grandparents of Alachua County
Take Stock in Children
Master Money Mentor Program
Kids Count of Alachua County
...and plenty of opportunities if you are a UF student:CHAMPS

SOAR (Strengthening Opportunities and Reaching Out)
Project MASCOT
After School Gators

Of course, there are many more opportunities out there, but hopefully this will help you get started!

Don't forget to donate blood during the Vampire's Blood Drive! You still have until this Friday! Also, be sure to make it out to the Vampire's Ball on Friday, October 29th. Celebrate a successful blood drive in your best costume with us at Sharab Lounge...if you dare!


--The Pledge 5 Team

Nightmare on Non-Profit Street

And how a strong non-profit has nothing to be afraid of!

Halloween is just around the corner, are you ready? For one night everyone will be spooked with costumes, decorations and spine-tingling movies that tap into their worst fears. For non-profits, however, it can seem as though Halloween never ends--at any time our nightmares can come true! A director might get the shivers when he or she thinks of running out of funds or the cancellation of a big event, but a strong organization has nothing to fear!

Worst Nightmare #1: "You work with who?"
When somebody works for a non-profit or charity, every upcoming event is marked in the calendar, the mission statement is committed to memory, and he or she might mention the name 100 times per week.  Approaching potential sponsors, donors and the community is daunting enough, but it becomes a bad dream when those groups have never even heard of the organization that employee has put so much work into. Of course it is to be expected if you are the new kid on the non-profit block, but here is how to avoid that awkward situation in the future.

1. Be focused. Have a specific goal, a relevant title, and clear mission statement.There should be no confusion about what exactly an organization does!
2. Continuing that idea, an organization needs to be useful. Find a need, then fill it. If another group is already doing what you do, then the chances are that others won't take notice. 
3. Picture for a moment what happens when you burst a water balloon. Not only does water splash everywhere, but all the little balloon pieces fly off, too. That should be an organization's name. Have a website, comment on other blogs, and put it on every social media site. Include the name in every message, PSA or piece of paper that goes out of the door. Have a logo on your office window and a sign at every event you're even remotely affiliated with. The more times community members see and hear your name, the less you'll have to worry about them not knowing who you are!

Worst Nightmare #2: Event cancellation.
Does the thought of rain make you scream? Would the cancellation of a 5K permit send you running? Do you get goosebumps when you imagine a venue scheduling over your reservation? If you answered "yes" to these questions, chances are you have been there before, and probably with a non-profit organization. For small organizations in particular, large amounts of the budget go towards planning and promoting an event, and a cancellation can be devastating. The key is to be prepared and ready to jump into some serious crisis management! Here is how a non-profit can find it's way out of this scary situation.

1. Before the event, have a backup plan for scenarios such as bad weather. How much you can plan for varies each event, but always be prepared for as much as possible!
2. Immediately address guests/participants, sponsors and staff. Guests might want a refund, but you can always offer something such as free admission to your next event. Likewise for sponsors. If they donated any items or funds, they deserve just compensation and an explanation about what went wrong. Maintain a positive image and good relations with all parties!
3. Financially, the best bet is to try and move the event to another day so no funds are wasted. If that isn't possible, it honestly comes down to doubling fundraising efforts and focusing on future events to cover any lost costs.

Worst Nightmare #3: Pockets are eerily empty.
Funding. It's the never ending battle of all non-profits. Another large portion of budgets often go into fundraising efforts, but if yourself with empty pockets, you can work hard on fundraising, apply for grants or make your way onto websites that consolidate organizations into one location, such as NetworkForGood.org.

If you really run out of money completely, it can be difficult to get back onto your feet. The best plan is to avoid this situation entirely!

1. Maintain good accounting practices. Basic? Yes, but it is essential to always understand your financial position.
2. Prioritize spending. Make a budget and be careful about where the money goes. It would be a shame to provide lunch every Friday for employees and then not have enough money to cover advertising costs of a new initiative. 
3. Set goals. Once again, this seems rudimentary. However, having a goal to strive for can motivate the whole team to work harder and might encourage donors to give more when they see the specific number you are reaching for!
4. Be interesting. Few people will pick up the phone, listen to a brief introduction and donation request, then jump out of his or her seat with excitement. Always have original events that the community can be excited about, and work to make sure anyone you are addressing really understands your mission and cares about helping your organization reach it's goals.
5. Part two of that last bullet is how you make potential donors and participants care. Well, I hate to say it, but human nature is a little bit selfish. Always strive to make relationships mutually beneficial. Have contests, prizes for participants and/or opportunities for sponsors to promote themselves. 

Well, readers, now you know three of our worst nightmares! Like anything, though, they are a lot less spooky when someone shines a little light on them. Do you have any advice or want to share your experience about a non-profit nightmare? Be sure to comment or tweet it to us @Pledge5!

Don't forget that our Vampire's Blood Drive is still going on, and the Vampire's Ball is just around the corner! Follow Vlad the Vampire on our Twitter and Facebook Pages to hear about all the prizes and contests going on! Ve Vant Your Blood! Give back to the community today.

--The Pledge 5 Team

Donating blood: Nothing to be frightened of!

Hello!

It is day four of our Vampire's Blood Drive, and our vampires have been busy! While many people donate blood at least once a year, there are many more who never do. This post will address the common concerns and the process of donating blood, hopefully encouraging more people to participate in a blood drive and help save lives! After all, according to the Red Cross, the #1 reason people choose to donate is because they "want to help others!" It is certainly one of the easiest ways to make a difference in your community.


To start off, here are some quick facts.

1. People with O- type blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of all blood types. Only 7% of people in the U.S. have O- blood type!
2. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
3. Every two seconds a blood donation is needed in the U.S.
4. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days
5. The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.
6.If you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached age 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood. That can save over 1,000 lives!

Now, a little more information about what to expect before, during, and after the blood donation process.


BEFORE
What should  I bring?
A photo ID. Also be prepared to answer questions about your medical history.
Am I eligible?
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 year-olds may donate with written parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. There is no upper age limit to donate blood.
Can I donate if I have a tattoo/piercings?
You must wait one full year before donating blood after getting a tattoo, but there is no deferral period for piercings as long as a sterile needle was used!
What if I have traveled/lived outside the country?
This will only matter if you have been to certain parts of Haiti or the Dominican Republic in the last year, or if you were in the United Kingdom for a total of three months or more from 1980 to 1996. Remember Mad Cow Disease?
Should I eat before?
A meal or snack at least two hours before donating is recommended. If you can include iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, beans or seafood that's even better!


DURING
How long will it take?
The entire process (registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments) will only take about 45 minutes to one hour.
Will I pass out?
Most donors do not pass out. Just enjoy the snacks ( who doesn't love free food?), hydrate, and stay seated for a few minutes after donating and you will have nothing to worry about!
Will it hurt?
The only pain may be a small pinch when the needle is put in your arm. Afterward, there is no notable sensation while blood is being collected.


AFTER
Where does my blood go?
The blood is first sent to be tested for any transmissible diseases, then sent to hospitals based on need form local distribution centers. All the while, your blood donation is kept at a safe and comfy temperature during it's secure journey.

How long will it be until my blood is replaced?
Blood volume is replaced in 24 short hours! However, you have to wait 56 days to donate again for red blood cells to be replenished.

Any more questions? Visit LifeSouth's website. Hopefully, we have debunked any spooky stories you might have heard about donating blood!

So don't be scared...help save a life donate during the Vampire's Blood Drive!

-The Pledge 5 team

Pledge 5 Foundation and LifeSouth Present Vampire’s Blood Drive

It's finally here!

Tomorrow is the first day of the LifeSouth Vampire's Blood Drive! This vampire-inspired campaign is aiming to fill our local blood banks AND raise awareness about the need for blood donations with wickedly fun events and opportunities to win!

More details about the events are available on the events tab of our Facebook Fan Page.

The blood drive will run from October 15th until the 29th and will go out with a scream at Sharab Lounge on the 29th with Vampire's Ball. Come celebrate the end of the blood drive with costumes, drinks and dancing. On Halloween, October 31st, Pledge 5 will also be hosting the Run for Your Life 5K! Runners will wind their way through campus on a thrilling course including a mile-long Terror Trail. You've never given back to the community like this before!


The Vampire's Ball and Run for Your Life 5K are going to be a perfect end to a successful blood drive, but we have plenty of special contests planned to get your blood pumping during the drive, too! Check our Facebook Fan Page during the drive for details.


The time has finally arrived, so grab your garlic and get ready...The vampires are coming! Donate blood during this year's Vampire's Blood Drive.

--The Pledge 5 Team