I have been thinking about what I would do differently with next year’s event.  First, being new to a community was very hard.  I really didn’t know who to ask for help.  The few people I knew, were helping as best they could, but this kind of event requires more people involved from the beginning.  I now have a better idea who  in the community would be willing to step up and work on the event.  Staying organized is  key.

I would also involve the bachelors more from the start and be clearer as to their roles and what they could do to make the event a success.  I was so afraid of asking too much, that I ended up not asking enough.  It is a fine line when dealing with volunteers.  I know I will get better at it. 

I had one person suggest that we share the evening with a local charity.  I have mixed feelings about that.  My plan is to work with other groups on other projects, but I may want to keep the Bachelor Auction exclusively a LeapingStone event. 

Speaking of working with others in Chico, I am talking with a local school about doing a joint fundraiser.  I think this is an important idea and has been a desire from the start.  We are in the preliminary stages, but I am excited about the idea of children helping each other.  I think it is so important for the kids here to learn about other cultures and to realize how lucky they are.  It would be wonderful to be able to forge some friendships between children here and in Togo.  I will keep you posted as to our progress.