Besa Community

Stephanie Hamersley

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

September 10, 2019

A+F Challenge

Hello! First off I love the A+F challenge and I love Besa! :) This is SUCH a great cause and so happy to be apart of it this year from a volunteer standpoint. In hindsight I would say this was run very poorly, know that this isn't the first time this challenge was run you would think this operation would be down to a science, and you would have thought it was the first year this was happening. I was apart of the tshirt swag that was handed out to guests. When we got there there was no run down on anything, we had to scramble to come up with a system. In addition to that our leader had no clue what was going on or willing to find out, I didn't know how to respond to questions being asked, we didn't even get a map or tour on where things were so we couldn't guide guests to different locations, we were asked if they could buy shirts, and then an hour later were told to direct them to the campus store, then the campus store was directing us here. The scanners did not work the best, and most people came up as "already picked up shirt" so we had to honor their request. I did not stop for 4 straight hours, I mean non stop, didn't take a bathroom break, had to ask even for a bottle of water. It was a scramble. They had too many colors to chose from, so guests were swapping out sizes and colors, then there wasn't colors offered in the kids shirts, so then the kids were upset that the couldn't chose a color. Our leader was no where to be found, or would 'check" in and was drinking non stop or eating the entire time. There was another Besa leader and it was basically her way or the highway, and then pulling people out to help at another station when we finally had our system down. It was just frustrating b/c volunteering should be fun and with a group of people who you want to be around and lifting each other up, not fighting over a process or being bossed around and told what to do or where to go. I know it was a highly stressed environment so we made the best of it. The best guy was the guy who ran the computers and scanners from A+F as he seemed to have the most guidance and direction and was very nice. If our shirts say STAFF then guests expect us to be able to answer questions, and we could not, not making a good impression on an event, and if I paid that much money for a ticket I would have wanted a better experience, so I felt bad :(

Arthur Plante

Volunteer

London, OH

September 9, 2019

A&F Challenge

It was a great event, we had a chance to handout tees to VIP ticket holders. Only slightly negative comment is how we closed down our stand. People were still in line to get tees at 10:30 p.m. and we had plenty left to handout but people were turned away. We could have stayed a little later to accommodate them.

Nicole Phalen

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

August 10, 2018

Impressive

Wow, talk about a well organized event!! 10,000 backpacks were filled and I think we all walked away feeling like we were part of something big. From the moment we arrived the event ran like a perfectly tuned engine. Thank you for a great morning!

Scott Kalkowsky

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

November 18, 2015

Columbus Diaper Coalition

The diaper distribution event is an amazing experience! Each time I have volunteered here I have met many new people. I love the energy of the volunteers and workers. This event is very organized and the stations make it very clear what your role is. I highly recommend this event either with a group of friends or by yourself...you will always meet someone new :)

Danielle Nastase

Volunteer

Galloway, OH

November 8, 2015

Columbus Social Club Tailgate

This was a great event that made you feel like its wasn't even a volunteer event. Everyone involved was very friendly and having a good time. It's defiantly something is do again!

JaMez Burton

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

October 22, 2015

Columbus Diaper Coalition / BESA

My first volunteer opportunity with BESA was the Columbus Diaper Coalition. I want to thank everyone for an awesome time. People came with high energy and smiles behind knowing we are all contributing. Making an impact with the community. I truly felt the affect once I seen more and more diapers!! - So excited and ready to do more with Besa!!- AWESOME Thank you ;-)

Audrey Ross

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

September 21, 2015

New Albany Classic

Great event for a great cause! You couldn't ask for a better way to spend a day getting to know families in your community.

Thank you Besa for the opportunity!

-Audrey

Ali Iovino

Volunteer

Dublin, OH

August 16, 2015

Tom Fennessy/Mike Harden Back to School Project

Filling backpacks for the
Tom Fennessy/Mike Harden Back to School Project was a lot of fun! I know there was a miscommunication about the dress code/sandals but everything else was awesome. I went with some colleagues and they enjoyed it as well and asked that I keep this in mind for the company to do next year. Great people, very well organized, and a great cause! I hope Besa will organize another group for this in 2016!

Tommy Lopez

Volunteer

Grove City, OH

July 28, 2015

Columbus Diaper Coalition

This organization was a pleasure to volunteer for. The Ladies running the diaper coalition have a great heart for needs of mother's in Columbus. It's amazing seeing how many diapers they give out to people in need and was nice being able to help them get the thousands of diapers ready to distribute. I highly recommend getting involved with Columbus Diaper Coalition. You won't be disappointed. I'll be at the next one for sure!

Jacob Freisthler

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

April 7, 2014

A little more direction with planting requirements would have been helpful, but overall a great time.

Jenny Bubenik

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

November 22, 2013

Besa provides great opportunities

Besa is a great platform for giving back. There are many ways to get involved, offered at various times to accommodate busy schedules. The website makes it so easy to find events that work for you.

Tyler Durbin

Advocate

Columbus, OH

February 28, 2013

Besa helped me find the perfect cause

For my 27th birthday, I wanted to raise $2700 for a local organization. I was referred to Besa, received great personal service, and eventually was able to connect with a great local charity.

Simple, intuitive, and comprehensive!

Sheldon Kanfer

Volunteer

Columbus, OH

July 18, 2012

An idea takes flight

I haved served as a volunteer member of the board during the gestation and hatching of Besa. Now Besa is aloft and i am left to wonder at the marvel of it all: one individual, one idea - now at the center of a living, breathing community and a constellation of human needs. This is how Besa came about.

Amy Mayes

Donor

New York, NY

July 18, 2012

Why I donated to Besa

This is a fantastic platform to encourage more people to give back to their community. I'm excited that I could participate in Besa's development and look forward to seeing how it develops over time. Congratulations to the entire Besa team!