The Season for Generosity November 30, 2009

Below I've quoted an excerpt from a letter to the editor written last year by Ruthellen Rubin, CFRE, one of our GiftWorks Consultant Partners.

Her message was spot-on then, and is as relevant as ever today.  

"Our local human service, health, educational and cultural organizations need us now more than ever. We are their family, friends and neighbors. Of course it will be more difficult for everyone as we are all struggling to pay the bills. However, this is the year we must be creative and consider where our holiday dollars can have the greatest impact. It is the year to give a donation in the name of our family members or friends rather than giving a fruit basket. I cannot think of a better year than this, to have a party and ask our guests to make a donation to our favorite charity rather than bringing us a bottle of wine or a red pillar candle. It is the year to show our children that there is always an avenue to be charitable, no matter how small the amount."

Last year, my family and I (yes, I was inspired by Ruthellen) gave each other donations rather than large gifts and it was a wonderful experience.  For example, my mom is the Board President of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services.  There was no greater gift she could have possibly received than to have her adult children make donations to GCBHS (in her honor) to support their mission.  We siblings, living throughout the US, now get regular newsletters and communications from GCBHS so we can see the amazing things mom is doing firsthand.  So, we will give again this year and hopefully, a new tradition is born. 

Please share your creative ideas for encouraging support of our charities this holiday season.