Boys Town California

Boys Town California youth recently set up shop at the Orange County Market Place, which is attended by nearly 2 million people each year.

California Youth Successful Sellers at Swap Meet

Twenty-three Boys Town California youth learned skills involved in building a small business during the Boys Town Entrepreneur Project, a three-month endeavor culminating in sales at the Orange County Marketplace.

The project, originated by long time donors Jim and Robin McInnis, helped raise nearly $30,000 for California’s severely at-risk youth. A letter sent from the McInnises asking to support the children’s efforts generated more than $27,000.

“We established this project so kids could work together and everybody would have responsibilities and jobs like sales, marketing and finance,” said Jim McInnis, ING Variable Annuities Annuity Distribution Director. “We get so much out of being involved – it is great.”

Participants were divided into two teams and responsible for everything from advertising, ordering t-shirts and compiling an inventory. McInnis provided valuable sales tips to help the children raise $1,500 selling household décor items during the two-day swap meet.

“All the kids learned the different parts of building a small business, like how to define a target audience, advertising and budget practices,” said Seana Inducil, Boys Town California Residential Program Director, who helped coordinate the project. “We had a great time and the youth learned a lot about the commitment and attitude it takes to be successful in business.”

During the swap meet, Aaron, a Boys Town California youth, acted upon McInnis’ advice and helped sell furniture for a company in an adjacent booth. The successful sales pitch resulted in selling four pieces of furniture and the company donating five percent of the sales’ profit to Boys Town California.

“He really focused on listening to the customer,” said Inducil. “It was amazing to watch.”

The Orange County Market Place operates every Saturday and Sunday at the Orange County Fairgrounds with more than 1,100 merchants and nearly four miles of walking aisles. Nearly 2 million people visit the market place each year.