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12-Year-Old Takes a Chance to Write a Letter to Costco's CEO for Fundraiser Help - Within Minutes He Receives a Reply
Uplifting News

12-Year-Old Takes a Chance to Write a Letter to Costco's CEO for Fundraiser Help - Within Minutes He Receives a Reply

We often hear stories about big box stores and companies with CEOs who have lost touch with everyday people and the reality of how things are for many. So when you hear about a CEO who is willing to not only engage with his customers but also help them out, the kindness of it warms your heart.That’s why this story of a sixth grader who wrote to the CEO of Costco is getting so much attention. Not only does it show that there is still some good at the top, but that sometimes, all you need to do is ask and you shall receive.A Valentine’s Day FundraiserLast year, a 12-year-old boy needed a way to promote his North Hollywood school’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Grant Cerwin knew he could do roses or something like that, but he wanted something even bigger to get people’s attention. So he took a chance and wrote a letter to Costco's CEO about them possibly donating one of their famous 93-inch stuffed teddy bears.“We want to raffle off one of your giant bears as a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for our school,” he wrote, as per ABC News. “I would make sure everyone knew you gave it to us in our school newsletter, on social media, and with a big sign by the bear. I know it is a long shot, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.”A Surprising ResponseCerwin admitted he didn’t really expect a response, but Craig Jelinek responded within minutes. He forwarded the email to his employees and instructed them to “do whatever it takes” to get Walter Reed Middle School a giant teddy bear.Soon, Cerwin’s ask was fulfilled.“Good morning Grant. I am the Toy Supervisor at our Costco’s LA Regional office. I have good news, Costco will be donating a 93” Plush Bear to your school to use in your Valentine’s Day fundraiser!” read an email. “We could have it delivered to the school directly so your parents don’t have to worry about transporting it.”The bear was a huge hit. More than 300 people paid for a raffle ticket to win it, raising $1,500 for the school. Those funds went toward future handball courts and the school’s mural.“I really learned that you have to take your chances,” Cerwin added. “So, if you have that chance, you should take it.”A Valuable LessonAs Cerwin himself said, sometimes in life you just have to take a chance. People are often afraid to ask for what they need for fear of rejection. But at the end of the day, if you don’t ask you definitely won’t get what you need.Often, you’ve got nothing to lose by asking for help. That can be true of a fundraiser or community rally, but it can also be true when we need help in our own lives. So pick up the phone, send a text or even write an email if that’s what you’re comfortable with.But never be afraid to ask for help. We all need a little help now and then. And if you’re the type of person who is willing to help others, the odds are pretty great that people will want to help you in your time of need, too.More from Goalcast:Coffee Shop Owner’s Friends Open Up a Competing Business – Then One Piece of News Changes Everything19-Year-Old Goes to Hotel to Take Part in a Raffle – Little Did She Know Her Friends Had a Secret Plan in PlaceMan Takes $800 From Vacation Fund Without Telling His Wife – Then Reveals What He Did With It Over Text

CEO Who Gave $70K Minimum Wage To All Employees Saves Team From Layoffs
Everyday Heroes

CEO Who Gave $70K Minimum Wage To All Employees Saves Team From Layoffs

2020 has been a tough year for many businesses, and some companies have had to do the unthinkable and lay off employees to survive. But one smart and compassionate leader had a better idea.Sometimes communication really is the name of the game. When CEO Dan Price realized his company, Gravity Payments, was in a precarious position, he turned to his team. Instead of eliminating roles right off the bat, he asked employees for their opinions on what to do. “Your team is so much smarter than you,” Price told Entrepreneur, reflecting on his trust on the people he hires. “Give power to your people, be honest and democratic. They will find solutions that you can’t see.”An unusual CEO movePrice has always looked at business a bit differently. A few years ago, he took a giant pay cut so that he could instate a $70K minimum wage for his employees. So now he turned to those same employees for advice on how to to save their jobs.He gathered his team of 200, and together they came up with an idea. Rather than laying off anyone, they were all going to volunteer for a pay cut. “I thought it was crazy,” Price says. “I figured we’d waste a week’s worth of time to learn it wouldn’t work.”Prioritizing people paid off However, it ended up working. And by the end of summer, he was even able to pay back all his employees for the cut they had taken.“Businesses love to talk about caring for people,” reflected Price, but at the end, it’s their balance sheet businesses tend to prioritize.“Leaders will do layoffs deeper and quicker than needed,” he said, highlighting that it's usually the best way to recover quicker and turn things around.Business doesn't have to mean sacrificing humanity Price was determined to find a better option than making the gut-wrenching decision of letting his people go during an economic crisis. The best part? He turned to them for the solution, involving them in the process. “We’re here because of our people.”More uplifting stories:4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First HousePoor Man Who Missed Job Interview To Save A Life Had Employers Lining Up To Hire HimDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others