20,000 pounds.
It just sounds like so much food, I guess because it is, and it’s really surreal.
I remember the thrill we had when the Redlands Daily Facts interviewed us during the Christmas season in 2008. I was so excited to report that we had donated over 200 pounds of food to Joseph’s Storehouse at the time.
In fact, it was newsworthy enough to warrant front-page mention for us and our company.
But as I fast forward almost two years, to think that this crazy notion of running a business with the primary aim of benefitting others above itself has yielded over a hundred times the initial amount is truly humbling.
equals
It would not have happened without the faithful support of all of our coffee-loving community. It would not have happened without individuals who resonated with our mission and spread the word; indeed, we have never advertised. Not even once.
It would not have happened without a dedicated team of volunteers, without whom any of this would have even remotely come to being.
I am struck with a mix of emotions ranging from excitement, pride, fulfillment, but mostly humility.
I could not have imagined that, two years ago as I was effervescing about our 200 pound mark, that we would hit this milestone so soon. I feel almost silly about the excitement I had with so “small” a number back then.
I can’t help but imagine where we will collectively be two years from now. I can’t help but imagine how giddy I’ll feel when we’ve hit the 200,000 pound mark, reminiscing about how significant 20,000 pounds felt.
But for now, I will celebrate, and I hope you will too.
For this wouldn’t have happened without you.
Thank you. Let’s celebrate together, enjoying the satisfaction of 20,000 pounds of food, and let’s dream together, sharing the hope of 200,000 pounds.
I am truly humbled to be in partnership with all of you on this most incredible journey…
20,000 thanks.
2 Comments
This is great news Nate. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Wild Goose. I celebrate with you on this momentous occasion and the many more to come. Keep up the good work.
-mark
There are many things for which a father could be proud of his son: academic success, career achievements, sports accomplishments, etc. But witnessing a son achieve something like this is beyond compare. Doing something that truly benefits others, putting one’s Self in a subordinate position to Others, this is true success. I am very proud of you, Nate! And I wish you continued success in your endeavors so that you can benefit more and more people as time goes by.