We asked veteran SEED20 Coach, Bill Craver, to share why he comes back to volunteer year after year. His story is below.
My first exposure to SEED20 took place five years ago as an audience member at the OnStage event. Naturally, I was blown away by the inspiring messages of the nonprofit participants. Although I had lived in Charlotte for several years to that point, I had no idea that this sort of entrepreneurial philanthropy was going on in the Queen City.
During the event, a special group of individuals was also recognized – the Coaches! I thought to myself, “Who are these talented people, fortunate enough to play a role in this awesome endeavor?” As it turns out, they were regular folks from all walks of life who shared a common characteristic – the desire to do a bit of good by helping others. After approaching the leadership of Social Venture Partners about getting involved in this capacity, they added me to the coaching roster the following year.
The coaching experience was even better than I had thought it might be. As a member of a three-person team dedicated to one of the nonprofits, I joined my colleagues in providing meaningful guidance to our nonprofit participant. It’s not easy telling one’s story in three minutes AND trying to win over an audience at the same time! We did it though, and I was as proud of our presenter as if he had been one of my own children.
That’s not the end of it, though. Over the course of weeks building up to the big event, I also got to know a large portion of the other 20 nonprofits – occasionally giving them an idea or two along the way. The nonprofit participants were all very appreciative of everyone’s input, and the entire group was inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication. Beyond a doubt, being involved in SEED20 is an annual highlight that I have looked forward to each year since – one that I hope to continue as long as the folks at SVP will allow me to do so.
We are grateful for Bill and the insight he provides to all of the nonprofits throughout the SEED20 coaching sessions. Bill Craver is the CFO at Legion Brewing Company.
