First Annual PhilanthroFest with our Miami Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums

Today’s guest post comes from Darrill A. Gaschler, the President of the Miami Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums. Darrill began his connection with the HandsOn Network in 2008 as an AmeriCorps member with Hands On Miami. He transitioned to full-time staff in 2009 and joined the team at HandsOn Broward as the Corporate Projects Director in 2011.

As the President of the Miami Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums, he continues to build community through a lifetime of service.

PhilanthroFest is a large-scale festival showcasing and celebrating South Florida philanthropic organizations, community resources and cultural arts. It includes nearly 100 booths donated to many different philanthropic organizations, live music, art, fashion shows, food trucks, vendors, kids fun and much more! In order to ensure successful, on-going engagement with volunteers and donors, and to help organizations effectively carry out their mission while running a sustainable operation, participating organizations will be provided free social marketing tools as well as educational and financial training opportunities.

This was the first PhilanthroFest event in Miami, and the Miami Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums was grateful to have been recognized and invited to be a part.

We were onsite from 11:00AM-6:00PM and talked with dozens of people, connected with a number of organizations and joined in a very cool community event unlike any other I’ve experienced as a Miami native. While Miami is a uniquely diverse place filled with action and activity, hands-on community action and activity isn’t necessarily built into the culture.

Events like this help to highlight and spread the word about the great things that are taking place “behind-the-scenes” (and the people who are making our city a better place for everyone to enjoy) and provide fest-goers an opportunity to learn more about these agencies and then dive into their respective interests in a way that makes most sense for them.

Miami Chapter Leadership members Katharine Baas, Michael Brennan and Darrill A. Gaschler setting up the Miami Chapter's table at Philanthrofest.

Outcomes:

• Alums were invited to join a number of different planning committees

• Great connections made with community members and other nonprofits

• Exposure!

• 20 new Facebook “likes”!

• A great way to spend a Saturday.

Does your community have it’s own “Philathrofest”? If so, let us know in the comments below!