There are less than 12 hours left of my GoFundMe campaign for "Tuition: the Black upStart Bootcamp." I'm excited to see the progress that has been made, considering the short amount of time in which the campaign began and the goal to not just hit the amount needed for Bootcamp tuition ($300), but to surpass that goal and have a surplus for product development and production (I'm curating a healing workbook and journal, and an inspirational planner to accompany the workshop series).
As I get closer to the deadline and the 3rd and final tier of the goals I set to reach and surpass for #theblackupstart2k15, I see and understand how God used this opportunity to deal with me and my anxiety around fundraising. I cannot recall a time in my life, where fundraising sounded like a task that I, personally should lead from the forefront. Of course I'd love to help, but for me to lead the entire cause and push a community to rise to the occasion - that isn't one of my own comfort levels. I usually prefer to assist from behind the scenes or from the sidelines. This particular case unavoidable, even if I desired and prayed for it with faith the size of a mustard seed this was a path I had to travel and it is because God had to deal with me on this issue for the sake of progress in my non-profit and my inner confidence in being successful with even those task that I don't keenly desire.
When I first received the email of acceptance into the Bootcamp program for the Black upStart Bootcamp, I was admittedly drafting an email full of sorrow to regretfully turn down the spot and have it given away to someone who could afford the cost of tuition. I figured there would be another opportunity for me to apply, but something made me pause -- when I say something, I mean a quiet calming, maybe even gentle touch that said "wait Corinn, you've missed something" and I'm convinced that was no one other than God. I read the email again in its entirety, but not really because my mind was in disbelief that I had been accepted into this program, but due to the fact that I'd been out of work for a month and waiting on a contract renewal, I wouldn't be able to participate in the experience. I was sitting there thinking to myself, "SERIOUSLY!" And that's when I began to read the email for the 3rd or maybe 4th time, this time slowly and with more intent to not miss a single word.
That's when I saw it! I saw the payment option that provided fundraising training to raise the funds for the cost of Bootcamp tuition and any surplus for the cost of program development and production. I had just zeroed in on my golden ticket! I almost wanted to jump out of my seat with excitement, though I was still filled with slight doubt in my ability to raise the funds needed in less than a weeks time. Moving forward with unwaivering faith and confidence not of my own, I was contacted by the founder of the Black upStart and she sounded totally and utterly confident in my ability to successfully raise and exceed the tuition cost in this fundraising adventure and even shared compliments to my energy and passion for my cause.
So here we are - the clock is counting down, day one of Bootcamp is this evening, starting at 6pm and that is the cut off time for my fundraising efforts. Here's to the last hurrah of raising capital for Brilliant Abundance to enter into product development and production through my participation in #theBlackupStart2k15 Bootcamp. Here's to taking a leap of faith, even when you are uncertain of meeting the goal. Here's to God breaking barriers and walls in me, allowing me to push past my discomfort and into success! Can you imagine, if I would have turned down the opportunity because I wasn't willing to ask for help?!
Many Thanks to my village of supporters, many of you expressed verbal support, some of you shared my endeavor with your networks, and many of you opened not just your hearts, but also your wallets to help me reach and surpass the goal of tuition cost. At the time of this post, there is still a fundraising need of $180 to hit before 6:00 p.m. EST.
I am truly blessed and highly favored because you all let God make you "intentional." Humble praises of gratitude to the most-high and sincere thanks to each and every one of you! It truly does take a village.
Shout out to my village (in no particular ranking order)
Amber G. Fayola Alexis H.
Gregory Desirea Lilian V.
Latoya J. Simone D. Kenya B.
Diamond M. Denise Aniela
Danielle Zakiyyah R. Wayne
Vanessa Bert Xkzin
Tiffany LeAndria Nina
Aja L. Janay Naeemah
Esmeralda Christina Caren
I love you all from the depths of my heart and soul! Thank you for standing with me and showing the true spirit of community and giving!
