SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – When Girl Scout cookie sales began on January 1, 2012, esd & associates, San Antonio’s leading digital creative agency, purchased one large order – one thousand boxes of cookies to be exact. Not simply the pained victims of an epic sweet tooth, esd & associates purchased the cookies to help 14-year-old Girl Scout, Hannah Richmond kick-off her project to sell 10,000 boxes of the famous cookies. Richmond then plans to donate half of them to the local San Antonio United Service Organization (USO) chapters.
Richmond’s first helper, esd & associates, took notice of the scout’s endeavor when a cold call letter landed on the desk of agency owner Christine Kleha.
“I get so many letters a day,” said Kleha. “Hannah’s looked different and when I read her energetic pitch and learned she was only 14, I knew our marketing and public relations company had to get involved.”
Selling cookies has always been a trademark Girl Scout activity. Typically used to fund non-profit Girl Scout community activities like camps, field trips, education programs, travel opportunities, community service and leadership programs cookie sale proceeds form an invaluable part of the national organization’s funding. However, not all young ladies take the endeavor as seriously and act as passionately and charitably as Richmond.
“In Hannah’s case, this has turned her into a 14-year-old entrepreneur,” said Stephanie Finleon of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. “We are impressed with Hannah’s business sense and hope it becomes contagious.”
Indeed, young Richmond is one smart cookie. When she sets a goal there’s no looking back. In 2011, she earned the title of Top Cookie Entrepreneur Officer for the Southwest Texas Girl Scout Council for selling 3,258 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. This was hands down the largest cookie sale procured by one girl in the 21 counties that make up the area council.
“In 2012, I am using the business knowledge I gained selling cookies in the past to encourage San Antonio businesses to support the Girl Scout mission,” said Richmond. “My goal is to sell more boxes of cookies than ever and make a difference for our U.S. troops.”
A great opportunity for Scout, country and local businesses alike, Richmond hopes to reach her goal before the springtime cookie selling cut off. This will require not only a great deal of hard work and dedication from Richmond, but also open and generous hearts from businesses possessing the funds to contribute and the desire to assist and improve quality of life for local military members and their families.
No stranger to non-profit endeavors, esd & associates was honored to be the first to join Richmond’s cause.
“We challenge other businesses to do join esd & associates and help this leader in the making,” said Kleha. “It’s a win-win situation, it’s for the Girl Scouts and our Troops. Our esd & associates team members know Hannah will reach her goal. Let’s help her get there.”
“I know that with the help of local businesses I can achieve my goal and make an impact upon our troops’ lives,” said Richmond.
Help 14-year-old Hannah reach her goal by becoming one of 9 needed corporate supporters and purchase 1,000 boxes of cookies today by calling Hannah at 210-348-8008.
