Never Underestimate the Power of Enthusiasm
Mon, February 1, 2010 at 08:03AM 
Keith Eldred of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, doesn’t want to cure AIDS or feed the hungry.
He just wants $5,000 to fund an 8-foot-tall inflatable mascot named HAT HAT to promote his local library.
As crazy as that sounds, he just might get it, because Eldred’s proposal is currently ranked No. 6 among social causes seeking $5K funding through the Pepsi Refresh Project, which opened for voting today.
Eldred’s proposal to Pepsi features a homespun video, drawings of HAT HAT, photos and articles, and a credible pitch that he just wants to do everything he can to help his local library (and his wife, Janet, the library director) succeed.
What really makes Eldred’s proposal stand out, however, is its simplicity, sincerity and enthusiasm—the real keys to raising charitable donations from increasingly tapped-out contributors. And, for that, my HAT HAT is off to him.
(Pepsi Refresh resembles Chase’s Community Giving project in many ways. I hope the beverage giant also learned from Chase’s stumbles, as outlined in this terrific article by Beth Kanter, whose blog is a must read for anyone employing social media for nonprofit causes.)
Reader Comments (2)
Thank you so much, Frank! This makes my day. Honestly, I had a lump in my throat at your kind words "simplicity, sincerity and enthusiasm." That makes me feel good and understood. My project has already plunged to Number 51 but I'm spreading the word and carrying on. You have to find joy in the journey, and part of that is wonderful surprises like your comments. What delights me even more is that my wife found your post first and pointed me to it. All best wishes to you forever more -- and please vote daily for this project!! :)
I'd read about the Pepsi Refresh project from the usual industry suspects but I liked this more personal take on a particular project (and its infectious enthusiasm). Thanks too for the link to Beth's blog; perfect timing for my class in Communications for Social Change this spring. Prof Barbara Becker is a nonprofit comm superstar!