In January, Stonewall Columbus and the Columbus AIDS Task Force launched the first annual Volunteer Team Challenge which encouraged volunteers to actively support their respective agencies. This was a fun initiative for Stonewall and CATF to coordinate as we witnessed our respective Teams participating in the (friendly!) competition and facilitating new ways for Team members to get involved in development efforts. Teams were encouraged to each donate $5 to either agency. Collectively, we raised $3,140 which will have a direct impact on the programs and services that Stonewall Columbus and the Columbus AIDS Task Force currently offers our communities.
The Team Challenge criterion was based on participation percentage of each agency team. Stonewall Columbus had 8% participation and CATF had 6% of their team participating. CATF raised $1,990 in total donations and Stonewall raised $1,150 for the challenge.
In addition, 3 top volunteers that raised the most donations were awarded prizes and celebrated at a dinner with their agency Volunteer leaders. The grand prize winner was John Paul Rietz from CATF and he received a “Zoom” teeth whitening package compliments of Dr. Jim Ford. The second place winner, Lori Mulichak from CATF, received 2 tickets to the annual CATF Art for Life event and coming in third place, was Stonewall’s Kim Barajas, who received 2 tickets to the annual Stonewall Columbus Pride Holiday Brunch.
