If it hasn’t been made evident by now, we love people here at AAT! We love hearing about their stories and passions for our community, but we also love hearing about what our fellow locals do and why they do it! For example, we have some wonderful neighbors who own/manager some fantastic local businesses and serve our town tremendously by doing so! This fact is why AAT has partnered up with our good friends at B3 Glass, to bring you all “Small Business Fridays!” Each week, we’ll feature a different, local small business and talk with its owner and hear about their journey, their business in general, as well as their heart for their customers and our city!
This week, we’re joined, once again, by an old, young, friend of AAT, Megan Dwyer. As a sophomore at Elko High School, Megan has already done so much to help so many men, women, and children in Northern Nevada! She may not be a business owner, but she is in the business of supporting so many people and non-profit organizations! So, we’re still giving her the spotlight on this “Small Business Friday” feature!
If you missed our first chat with our current Miss Ruby Mountain Outstanding Teen (yes, you read that correctly), you can read that conversation here.
Otherwise, we’re going to see what she’s been up to this 2020 year and find out about a current campaign she’s working on!
Megan, thank you for joining us yet again! Before we talk about why September is such a big month for you, what’s been keeping you busy since we last spoke?
“I’ve done a few virtual fundraisers like the 430 Walk, the one I did for the National Pediatric Cancer Society. I started Relay for Life again; I did a yard sale to raise money for it. And I’m competing for Miss Nevada’s Outstanding Teen next Summer!
“I recently did a project with The Elko High School Key Club where we wrote nice notes, attached them to yellow roses (the color of suicide prevention), and then put them on cars around town! I’m glad I was able to help brighten people’s day!
“I was also selected as a candidate for the student of the year program from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! So, I am gathering a team to help raise money before the official kickoff in January!”
You’re a teenage inspiration, Megan! Can you remind us why you feel such a pull to be involved with so many amazing causes?”
“Ever since I was little, I have felt bad for the children in the hospital. I was focusing a lot on helping children, and their families, while they were in the hospital, and then I started focusing on childhood cancer because my grandparents had passed away from cancer. I couldn’t imagine a child facing the same thing. Honestly, what keeps me motivated is feeling good about helping out a child and their family.”
That’s a great answer, Megan! Now, let’s talk about September! For those who don’t know, this month is dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer. You’re currently in the middle of a specific campaign to help bring attention to the subject, Gold Together! Can you tell us a little more about what that is and how we can get involved?
“Gold represents childhood cancer, so that’s why I want people to be bold and go gold!
“Gold Together is the pediatric cancer initiative for the American Cancer Society. This year, for Relay for Life, I’m looking to get the community involved! Getting involved is as simple as wearing yellow, holding a fundraiser at your business, or decorating your business with gold ribbons! If someone wants to participate, they need to make sure to post and tag me on social media because there will be some special prizes for people who have creative Gold Together initiatives! I’ll be doing this until the end of September!
“If they’re doing a fundraiser, they can donate to Elko Relay for Life or Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation.
“Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children. The most common type of cancer they get is leukemia. However, only four percent of federal funding is allocated to children’s cancer research. It’s an important issue!”
Yes, it is, Megan! Thank you so much for all the terrific things you’re doing in Northern Nevada! Elko County, let’s help Megan and #gogold for #goldtogether in the second half of September! Links to the appropriate channels can be found below!
https://www.facebook.com/mnvoteenrubymountain
https://www.facebook.com/elkorelayforlife
https://www.nvchildrenscancer.org/
You can stay caught up on everything going on around here at AAT by checking out our “Stay Connected” page! Make sure you never miss a feature!
If you would like to submit a FREE entry for The Around Town Bulletin Board, simply email us anthonyaroundtown@gmail.com
See you around, Elko!
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