#ISBF7 Post 3 - This is Why We Do It
Just over a week ago, I received an email. With all the spam type stuff and notifications of various happenings etc, this one stood out.
It was from Bernadette Conlon. The Chief Executive of Start Inspiring Minds. It stood out, because it was succinct. And it moved me. It reminded me firmly as to why I spend my time. Why WE do what we do with ISBF.
And it isn't just about the beer.
I was introduced to Bernadette (and - by extension - Start Inspiring Minds) by Gerry. The same inspirational lady for whom I organised the first 4 ISBF events.
You see, Gerry isn't JUST a dear friend for the impact she has had on the lives of myself and my family. She is an avowed cheerleader for the City of Salford. And is magnificently well connected in this city.
A firm Localist. And once she's introduced me to Bernadette, the conversation hadn't gone on long when my mind was made up.
This charity felt like home.
They are small. Local (within 400 yards of Hemsley House). They can't afford to pay people to market for them for donations. They get by on limited donations and grant gifts.
The impact I witnessed on Bernadette when I told her the donation from #ISBF5 told me all I needed to know.
It mattered. Massively. It had a huge impact on what they were able to achieve.
And YOU did that. By drinking beer. By sponsoring stuff.
Doesn't this helping people stuff feel good?
Anyway. To Bernadette. And that email….
“I just wanted to say that we are very grateful for the work you have all done to raise the funds for START through your event, and this donation will make a big impact to our services and those vulnerable people we help.
Mental health/suicide is always a difficult topic and we need to engage people to chat and help raise funds as much as we can. Statistics show 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental health issues and 200 lives are lost to suicide across the Greater Manchester Area every year. The money raised goes towards the work we do to try and help reduce these figures and is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.
Kind Regards
Bernie”
To see those words on my phone one morning hit me like a brick. Anyone who knows my family's personal history will understand why.
Myself and a number of others give up a huge amount of our time. We give it willingly. We enjoy what we do. It gives me a huge warm feeling watching people with smiles on their faces. Consciously (and otherwise) enjoying the fruits of those efforts.
And this email - and all those looks and the lovely warm comments - are more than enough payback.
This is the impact that we all - ourselves and you, as sponsors and guests - have.
Good innit?
I love what we do.
Don't get me wrong. We have fun doing it. The brewdays, the interactions, the friendships old and new (many formed and nurtured at this event), introducing drinkers to the processes - and hard work - that brings that beer to the tap, it's been a total joy to see faces light up.
(Not to mention all the beery secrets I already have in my head. Oh my!!! We've got some exclusivity for you ALREADY!)
This year will be even more fun. We'll be doing things we've never done before both with beer and other stuff. This is the year where I (Jim) get to have MY most fun. And if I have fun…..
We're already WAY AHEAD of all other years with offers of sponsorship. But are ALWAYS open to offers!
Beer or Cider sponsorship gets you 2 guaranteed tickets to a session of your choice (per beer or Cider sponsored), 2 x glasses and 2 x £10 tokens. That “guaranteed tickets” thing being more important than ever, as we'll be having almost 20% fewer tickets than last year.
Fancy getting involved? Click the “contact” tab on the homepage.
More news in a month or so. Next weekend, the human wallpaper will be all over Edinburgh!
Be kind to one another.
Jim x