The past few weeks have been somewhat challenging for the Memphis Botanic Garden staff, but despite problems and setbacks, everyone has remained flexible, dedicated, and positive. Non-profit management is demanding, and unexpected events can rupture carefully made plans. For example, MBG hosts an annual summer concert series to raise money for garden-education programs. The first artist on the line-up was Aretha Franklin, and for months the marketing staff worked tirelessly to promote this concert. But last week, Aretha Franklin cancelled. Hundreds of ticket holders demanded refunds, and the event planners scrambled to find a new performer. While this instance seems pretty trivial in the larger realm of community service (nobody was harmed, deeply affected, or in need of necessary services), it still impacted MBG staff as well as donors, sponsors, and visitors of the MBG. Despite this sudden roadblock, the organization quickly devised and implemented a solution.
A second challenge struck the education department specifically. When I walked into the office on Wednesday morning, the atmosphere was tense. A coworker explained that a group of people broke into the garden earlier that morning, destroying the sheds in which we store supplies for educational programs, vandalizing the ticket counter by spray painting obscenities, and trashing the Guest House in which we host summer camps, classes, and birthday parties. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but the education staffers were initially frustrated and confused. However, they didn't have much time to assess the situation because there were several classes and summer camps to attend to. We all worked together to relocate the summer camps, salvage the kids' crafts that were not destroyed, and recover what damages we could. Staffers remained positive throughout the restoration process and ensured that campers', visitors', as well as the other staff members' needs were met.
I greatly admire the resiliency of the MBG staff in dealing with these situations. I witnessed effective collaboration, creative and swift problem-solving, as well as genuine concern for the well-being of MBG visitors. I am honored and humbled to be working with these incredible folks.
There were also some great moments this week. 70 kids show up for Mudpie Mondays, our Fun Friday craft activity was indeed quite fun, and the three pirate-themed birthday parties yesterday were successful (photos below!). And of course, kids say the funniest things. When I asked campers what they might smell in a garden during our "Senses" class, one little boy excitedly shouted "fried chicken!".
I'm looking forward to our meeting on Tuesday! Have a great start to your week, everyone.
Catherine-
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had a crazy week! At least you are learning how to deal with real-world challenges and implement effective and creative solutions. I can't imagine balancing fundraising, damage control, and 70 kids in one day!
(And just for the record, I do know where this garden is.)
Have a great week!!
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI am surprised and hurt to hear about the damage to the Botanic Gardens you all encountered, but I applaud all of you for your resilience and ability to solve problems quickly and effectively. I'm sure the kids and their families never had a clue about the trouble you went through that morning. As for your experience specifically, like Megan, I think you will be thankful you were exposed to real-world challenges that seem to always happen at the most inconvenient times. I look forward to hearing more of your stories about the campers on Tuesday!
Catherine -- wow I can't believe both those events would happen in the same week! That's so encouraging that you and the others at Botanic Gardens were able to manage everything and bounce back not only from the cancellation, but also from the vandalism. At Red Cross I'm involved in fundraising and event planning projects and I know the stress that goes into trying to please donors and volunteers that are expecting something from the non-profit. I think the greatest crisis on that front I've had to deal with so far was when the food we ordered for our Monthly Volunteer Meeting was not delivered as planned... I can't imagine Aretha Franklin canceling! On the bright side, those kids are adorable and look like they're having a blast. Also I've never been to a garden that smells like friend chicken but that would be pretty cool!
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