Over 300 Santas Hit the Slopes for a Good Claus

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , , ,

On December 8th, over 300 skiers dressed in full Santa attire descended on Sunday River Resort in Maine for the 24th Annual Santa Sunday. Transforming the slopes into a festive spectacle, they also raised a record-breaking $9,000 for The River Fund Maine.

Though initially the event raised funds for various causes, in recent years it has evolved to support The River Fund Maine, a local nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students in the region. The money raised by the skiing Santas will help fund programs like scholarships for college and trade school education, youth workshops for skill development, youth recreational activities, and opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in collaboration with Sunday River Resort.

Participation required a $27 donation and a commitment to full Santa attire—complete with red hat, jacket, pants, and beard. Incentives included a free lift ticket for the day and a bonus ticket for a future visit. The event began with a group photo and continued with a group ski down the beginner-friendly Broadway trail.

A playful touch was added by participants dressed as a Grinch and a Christmas tree, bringing additional cheer to the philanthropic event. The impressive turnout this year and substantial fundraising underscored the community’s deep commitment to supporting local causes.

Santa Sunday is a great example of how holiday spirit and charitable giving can come together, creating a meaningful impact while providing a fun, memorable experience for participants.

Giving Tuesday: A Day of Global Generosity

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By JohnPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged: , , ,

Giving Tuesday, celebrated on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the US, has become an international event dedicated to charitable giving and acts of kindness. Launched in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y in New York and the United Nations Foundation, this day was conceived as a counterpoint to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The idea behind Giving Tuesday was that after days of shopping and deals, people would be inspired to give back. Using the hashtag #GivingTuesday, the movement quickly went viral on social media, uniting people worldwide in the spirit of generosity.

Giving Tuesday has grown a lot since its inception. In its first year, an estimated $10 million was donated through online fundraisers. By 2023, despite economic challenges, donations in the US alone reached $3.1 billion, with 35 million people participating.

What makes Giving Tuesday unique is its inclusive nature. It’s not just about monetary donations – people can contribute through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting local businesses that give back to the community. The day has become a global celebration of philanthropy, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

For nonprofits, Giving Tuesday offers the opportunity to gain visibility, attract new donors, and engage with supporters. It’s a day that reminds people of the joy of helping others and the impact we can make when we come together for a common cause.

People who want to get involved in a Giving Tuesday campaign can check out GivingTuesday.org which has official information and updates. The hashtag #GivingTuesday on various social media platforms will also lead to unofficial events and local charities.  

As Giving Tuesday continues to grow, it reminds us of our collective ability to create positive change in the world.

Surprised Town Receives Millions from Modest Man

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity Activity

Geoffrey Holt was the modest caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. He could often be seen riding his lawnmower around town in worn-out clothing. When Holt died in 2023, the 4,200 people of Hinsdale were shocked to learn that he had left $3.8 million to benefit the community.

Holt left a will with brief instructions that the money could be used in the areas of education, health, recreation, and culture. These funds have the potential to transform Hinsdale. Suggestions for how to use the money include upgrading the town hall clock, restoring buildings, or establishing an online drivers’ education course.

Holt’s close friend, Edwin “Smokey” Smith, discovered Holt’s fortune while serving as the executor of his estate. Despite his wealth, Holt lived frugally, investing wisely after working as a mill production manager. His investments grew over time, making Holt a multimillionaire.

Growing up in a strict and frugal household, Holt adopted a similarly modest lifestyle. He avoided attention, declined a promotion, and was happiest when his actions went unnoticed.

Several years ago, Holt suffered a stroke, and his mobility declined. He was no longer able to mow the lawns of the trailer park, an act which brought him great joy.

His parting gift has the potential to bring much joy to others, rejuvenating the overlooked town of Hinsdale, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Operation Healing Forces – Saving Military Marriages

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity, Family, Military

It is well documented that military service can take a toll on family life. Special Forces soldiers, in particular, grapple with high divorce rates. Operation Healing Forces, a charity that assists injured Special Forces veterans and their spouses, is working to change that.

Brant Ireland joined the army in 2002. He spent 6 tours in Afghanistan, suffering a devastating injury in 2013. After 20 surgeries in just two-years, he made the decision to amputate his injured leg.

Understandably, this was a terrible time for Brant’s wife, Tanya, a pediatric trauma nurse, and the couple’s two daughters. The Irelands started to drift apart. Brant explained that they lived side by side, but they were living “entirely different lives.” 

Fortunately, Tanya and Brant discovered Operation Healing Forces, a nonprofit dedicated to helping America’s Special Operations Forces and their families to restore the relationships wounded by the call of duty. Founded by Gary Merkel, Operation Healing Forces offers resources and therapeutic marriage retreats to ease the effects of military service. To date they have held more than 250 retreats, serving over 1,000 couples.

Operation Healing Forces took the Irelands on a transformative retreat to the British Virgin Islands in 2016. Surrounded by other military couples who understood what they had been through, Brant and Tany were able to rebuild their marriage.

The Irelands took what they had learned from this experience and used it to reconstruct their lives. Brant regained confidence through adaptive sports, while Tanya transitioned careers, both finding new roles within their family dynamic.

Brant and Tanya are grateful to Merkel for his support and intervention during a dark time.

Haunted House Fundraiser

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity, Education

15 years ago, Kim Steffenhagen was looking for ways to bring Halloween joy to her son, Kristian. Kristian is on the autism spectrum and found traditional trick-or-treating challenging.  So Steffenhagen decided to turn their Boyertown, PA residence into a captivating haunted house. Year after year, the haunted displays grew in scale, and now Kristian actively participates as one of the 20 actors who contribute to the spooky fun. Steffenhagen describes the haunted house as as fun and scary, but not too scary.  Their home has drawn thousands of visitors in past years.

Instead of charging an entrance fee, Steffenhagen asks for donations from those who visit. This year, they have partnered with Tyler’s Ride, a nonprofit founded by Tyler Dierolf’s parents in memory of their son who tragically lost his life in 2015. Recognizing Tyler’s passion for the trade and his giving nature, Tyler’s Ride supports individuals pursuing careers in the trade industry by offering scholarships. Mark Dierolf, Tyler’s father encourages friends and neighbors to visit this spooky celebration that combines Halloween fun with a heartfelt cause.

Press Forward Fights Against News Deserts

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity ActivityTagged:

The MacArthur Foundation has joined together with the Ford Foundation, Knight Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York, as well as several other philanthropic organizations to rejuvenate local news coverage in regions that have been identified as “news deserts”. “Press Forward” is a five-year, $500 million initiative that seeks to address the crisis in local news.

The past few years have witnessed the closing of over 2,500 newspapers, leading to increased corruption and decreased voter participation.  Approximately one-fifth on the American population does not have steady access to reliable local news.

The goal of “Press Forward” is to develop sustainable funding models for journalism, aiming to support existing organizations and foster the emergence of new ones. Press Forward aims to accelerate innovative solutions in the journalism industry and bring other philanthropic organizations and digital platforms on board, with a potential target of $1 billion over five years. While for-profit news outlets may receive some funding, their ownership and business practices will be scrutinized. The philanthropic support is characterized as “seed money” to encourage innovation and ensure the delivery of local news to all American communities.

Hope for those with Medical Debt

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By JohnPosted In: Charity Activity, Financial Services, Health, Poverty

In 2011, Jerry Ashton and Craig Antico, were executives in the debt collection business. The two decided to visit the Occupy Wall Street protests that were taking place in Zuccotti Park in New York City, not knowing that it would change the course of both their lives.  

While there, protestors approached them, asking if it would be possible to get a group of people together for the purpose of buying debt in order to forgive it. Ashton and Antico loved the idea, and in 2014 they created a charity called RIP Medical Debt, which buys up past due medical debt for a low price.

According to Allison Sesso, president and CEO of RIP Medical debt, “We take $1 and turn it into at least $100 of medical debt relief by acting like a for-profit debt buyer… Once we get our hands on those debts, we identify people that are 400% of poverty [or below], or if their debt is 5% or more of someone’s income.”

Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, professor of public health at New York’s Hunter College, and an expert in medical debt, explains that 20% of all U.S. households have medical debt. In fact, medical illness and medical bills are a factor in the majority of U.S. bankruptcy cases.  

To date, RIP Medical Debt has abolished more than $10 billion worth of medical bills for nearly 7 million Americans. While these are impressive figures, there is still much more work to be done, as somewhere between $80 and $120 billion in medical debt continues to exist.

In the meantime, those who benefit from RIP Medical Debt are thrilled that they no longer have to worry about their medical debt.

Jimmy Butler Helps Ukraine at the US Open

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Sports

NBA All-Star, Jimmy Butler took his talents to tennis’ U.S. Open to raise money for humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

The 6 foot 7 forward from the Miami Heat joined up with American tennis great, Frances Tiafoe to play a doubles match against Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz and singer-songwriter Sebastian Yatra.

The foursome raised $320,000 to help those suffering in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February of 2022.

The US Open began on August 22 in Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens NY. In addition to Butler, Tennis fans enjoyed seeing familiar faces like Gabriela Sabatini, John McEnroe, and others who participated in Stars of the Open, a series of fun exhibitions that took place prior to the Open.

Does mood impact giving?

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity

A study out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Georgia Institute of Technology found that people who are in good moods are more likely to donate to charitable causes.

According to AP News, the study analyzed Twitter posts made by donors both before and after they made a donation. Evidence pointed to the fact the donor’s mood had improved shortly before the donation was made.

Assistant professor Casey Wichman, explained, “It suggests that rather than this conventional notion that people give because it makes them feel good about themselves for doing the right thing, we found that people were in a good mood prior to donating, and that’s potentially the causal factor for why they decided to give”.

Charities could use this concept to their advantage, reaching out to donors at specific times such as birthdays and holidays when they are likely to be in a good mood. Using a donor’s good mood to their advantage could help nonprofits who are still recovering from the effects if Covid-19.  CEO of Charity Navigator, Michael Thatcher, continues to prompt charitable organizations to experiment carefully and stay focused on their mission. He said, “I think we need to be trying new things right now because there is donor fatigue, … (but) don’t try every new fad.”

Taylor Swifts Donates to Community Food Banks in Eras Tour Cities

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By DouglasPosted In: Charity Activity, Feeding America, Poverty

Taylor Swift is delighting the country with her 2023 Eras Tour – but it’s not just her music that is bringing joy to fans. Swift has been making generous donations to food banks in every city where she performs.

During a two-night stint in Detroit, Swift, age 33, made a large donation to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. Gleaners representative, Kristin Sokul, said, “Taylor Swift’s support of food banks across the country comes at such a critical time for so many emergency food providers — when resources are down, and need is up… The space in her heart will empower households across Southeast Michigan to live happier, healthier lives and elevate the important issue of food security so others who have the ability to help can be inspired by her example. The entire Gleaners team is so grateful for this incredible gift.”.

Swift’s donation to Denver’s Food Bank of the Rockies was enough to purchase 75,000 meals. Donations such as these are crucial – Feeding America claims that 34 million people in the US are currently dealing with food insecurity. Chief marketing officer for Food Bank of the Rockies, Aditi Desai, said, “We’ve been able to meet the increased demand thanks to the generosity of individuals like Taylor Swift. Her gift will help fuel our work across the Rockies and allow us to distribute more food to our communities. I was shocked and then thrilled by the news! We are grateful for her inspired support in answering the challenge of hunger.”