It has only been about three weeks since we started telling folks about SMB and the response has been amazing on every level. We have 130+ RSVPs, 20+ volunteers, great input that has helped us shape the event and make it better, and over $500 in donations. The interesting thing about the donations is that most of that money has come from people who have RSVP'd. We really never expected that to happen. Meanwhile, Carol, and a couple others, have been out visiting local businesses seeking their support. That process can take up to 8 contacts per business and so it takes a little while. If you have been wondering why you haven't seen much of Carol on the Butte the past week, that is because she has been hiking from store to store. We have yet to have anyone give us a "no," lots of maybes, and about 20 yeses with the amount to be determined. Three of those became firm sponsors yesterday and we are expecting the rest to reach a decision next week. In short, there is a ton of enthusiasm for SMB.
Have there been unexpected problems along the way? You bet. But the core concept of this event is so powerful that it just seems to rise above every problem with ease. In other words, the solution to almost every problem encountered has made the event better. I was joking with someone the other day about how I was wishing there were more problems (really, there have been a lot less than I expected). I swear that I was just joking. Well, I probably should have kept my big mouth shut because, a couple days later, we ran into a real doozy! That one took a while to solve and it took more than just me to do it. But here is the amazing thing. The solution makes the event A LOT BETTER. I'll have more to report on that soon. It is very exciting news.
Happy trails, Bill
