Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at a local non- profit. The Forrest Spence Fund opened up their arms to me this past summer/ fall semester and I had the pleasure of helping with several tasks as well as meeting some of the finest people in this city. The organization is based on providing needs to children in critical care and the families of those children. Needs that are met by the FSF range anywhere from a providing a gift basket full of goodies and a listening ear to full grants that cover medical costs.
The federally recognized 501(c)3 organization offers many financial services, but they give even more in time towards volunteer- work and fundraising to acquire means to reach these children. The Forrest Spence Fund works closest with the local children’s hospital, Le Bonheur. The Fund is always hosting events and sharing a hand to those in need, but a consistent opportunity is held at the children’s hospital once a month. Each month, the organization provides a full catered meal to patients and their families who are staying at the hospital. Additionally, they non- profit hosts an annual Forrest Spence 5K that has proven to be extremely successful year after year.
The story began with tragedy as the founders, David and Brittany Spence lost their precious son only 55 days after being born. Through their stay at Le Bonheur during those trying times, the Spence’s were shown compassion and hope from friends and total strangers. In return, Forrest’s parents began the Forrest Spence Fund to provide similar services for families who were experiencing the same pain.
I spent 5 months interning for the Fund. Over the course, I spent much of my time handling tax forms for donors, but was also given the freedom to assist with monthly newsletters as well as create design and copy for a campaign. I was able to meet an abundant amount of selfless Memphians, deepen a creative portfolio as well as learn some behind the scenes work of a non- profit.
The federally recognized 501(c)3 organization offers many financial services, but they give even more in time towards volunteer- work and fundraising to acquire means to reach these children. The Forrest Spence Fund works closest with the local children’s hospital, Le Bonheur. The Fund is always hosting events and sharing a hand to those in need, but a consistent opportunity is held at the children’s hospital once a month. Each month, the organization provides a full catered meal to patients and their families who are staying at the hospital. Additionally, they non- profit hosts an annual Forrest Spence 5K that has proven to be extremely successful year after year.
The story began with tragedy as the founders, David and Brittany Spence lost their precious son only 55 days after being born. Through their stay at Le Bonheur during those trying times, the Spence’s were shown compassion and hope from friends and total strangers. In return, Forrest’s parents began the Forrest Spence Fund to provide similar services for families who were experiencing the same pain.
I spent 5 months interning for the Fund. Over the course, I spent much of my time handling tax forms for donors, but was also given the freedom to assist with monthly newsletters as well as create design and copy for a campaign. I was able to meet an abundant amount of selfless Memphians, deepen a creative portfolio as well as learn some behind the scenes work of a non- profit.