Meet Avery

By Samantha Swaim

 

Meet Avery.

He’s proof that it’s never too early to start to teach the power of volunteering and philanthropy.

Avery recently attended the Raphael House Founders Dinner—solo. He got dropped off at the University Club where the event was held and volunteered to sell wild card raffle tickets before the live auction.

But when the program started, he took his dinner seat. During the special appeal, he put his paddle in the air as the lead gift on behalf of his grandfather's construction company and their support of Raphael House.

Here’s Avery, in his own words talking about the experience:

How old are you?

13 years old.

What’s your favorite book? 

One for the Money

How long have you been going to fundraisers?

This was my first fundraiser but I have been volunteering for 2 years at Raphael House.

How did that start?

I volunteer once every other week and instead of volunteering my normal day they asked me to help at the Founders Dinner. 

What have you done as a volunteer at events?

I sold raffle tickets at the dinner but I normally help do projects around Raphael House.

What makes you passionate about Raphael House?

I feel passionate because I love helping families and would not want to be in their situation. I feel that if lots of people start helping we can find homes for all the families in need.

Have you raised a bid paddle before?

I have never raised a paddle.

How did it feel to not only raise a paddle, but to be the lead gift in the evening’s special appeal? What was that moment like? 

I felt great doing it. The moment felt great and I felt great giving to a good cause.

Were you nervous?

I was not nervous at all.

Did it change how the folks at your table looked at you?

I'm not really sure that they looked at me differently, but I'm sure people at the dinner did.

What do you hope other young folks out there get out of your story?

I hope that they see that I'm helping and go out and try to change something in the world.

When you’re not out changing the world, what’s your favorite thing to do?

I love playing soccer and hanging out with my friends.