When Nobody Showed Up
One failed idea. Three attempts. Zero results. But I’m still going.
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I live in Myrtle Beach—one of the largest retirement hubs in the country. People here want to leave the world better than they found it. They care about legacy, about giving back. And because Empowered Literacy & Beyond is all about kids—boosting literacy, self-worth, and belonging—I thought, this is perfect.
What if we could bridge generations?
What if retirees could leave a legacy not just with money, but with wisdom?
I had an idea:
Let’s visit assisted living centers.
Let’s tell them about the nonprofit.
Let’s invite them to write words of wisdom on the back of our bookmarks—something they wish they knew as a child. Something today’s kids could carry with them.
I called it Craft for a Cause.
I booked three visits. I was excited. Ready. Driven.
And then…
Stop #1: The residents were mostly non-verbal. The staff canceled my activity and gave them an Easter painting instead. No warning. I painted in silence, then left.
Stop #2: They forgot about it. The creative director was out. No projector, no prep. I’m glad I called—because I would’ve wasted a 45-minute drive.
Stop #3: I thought third time’s the charm. I walked in, prepared and hopeful.
Not one resident came.
Kelly, the staff member, was lovely and apologetic. But I left empty-handed again.
That’s when I realized:
This might not be the right audience. Not right now.
And that’s okay.
As a nonprofit, our lifeline is funding. Without it, we can’t grow. So I’m shifting gears. More grants. More fundraising events. More focused outreach.
Right now on this Substack, we have one annual donor.
Next month, I’d love to have five. (Help us make that happen by hitting that subscribe button! Only $5 per month & it is 100% tax deductible)
So I’m trying. Testing. Pivoting.
And I’m sharing this with you because I believe in being real.
This is the journey.
Sometimes the craft table is empty.
But the mission? Still full.
We’re just getting started.
Want to help?
Become a donor on Substack
Sponsor a school (ask me how!)
Share this story with someone who loves kids and literacy
Thank you for being here. Even when no one else showed up—you did.