Spare Change, Big Impact: The Rise of Round-Up Donations

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By M. MarksPosted In: ChildFund International

In an era where every penny counts, a simple act of generosity at the checkout counter is making waves in the world of philanthropy. Round-up campaigns, which invite customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar for charity, have become a powerhouse of fundraising, bringing in $749 million in 2022 alone.

This innovative approach to giving has seen a remarkable 24% surge since 2020, proving that small change can lead to big change. The beauty of these campaigns lies in their simplicity and accessibility, allowing everyone to become a philanthropist with just a tap on a PIN pad.

Take the Taco Bell Foundation, for example. By switching from dollar donations to round-ups, they saw their fundraising skyrocket to $42 million in 2022, with an average donation of just 44 cents. It’s a testament to the power of collective giving, where even the smallest contributions can add up to make a significant impact.

The psychology behind round-up donations suggests a natural human preference for round numbers, and that consumers find it less painful to part with their change rather than a specific dollar amount. This clever approach transforms everyday purchases into opportunities for kindness, allowing shoppers to feel good about their contributions without breaking the bank.

From supporting local food banks to funding cancer research, these campaigns are making a difference across a wide spectrum of causes. The convenience factor is a win-win for both charities and donors, creating a seamless way to give back during routine transactions.

As round-up campaigns continue to evolve, they’re not just raising funds – they’re raising awareness and fostering a culture of everyday philanthropy. It’s a heartening reminder that in a world of big problems, sometimes the simplest solutions can have the most profound impact.

A food oasis in a food desert

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By M. MarksPosted In: ChildFund International

In Santa Ana, California, the Seva Collective food pantry is making strides in a community classified as a food desert, where access to nutritious food is scarce. Founded during the critical onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this grassroots initiative began with a few dedicated volunteers and has since evolved into a robust operation distributing essential groceries to over 1,200 families each month.

Every distribution event at Seva Collective is a testament to community solidarity and the spirit of giving. Cars often line up hours before the event begins, with volunteers efficiently loading up to 60,000 pounds of fresh produce and shelf-stable items into the trunks of grateful recipients. This monthly effort provides immediate relief and promotes healthy eating habits by prioritizing fresh, unprocessed food.

The impact of Seva Collective extends beyond just food provision. Special events like the Vaisakhi celebration include distributing toys, books, and clothes in partnership with local brands, enhancing community engagement and sharing cultural heritage.

Seva, meaning selfless service in the Sikh faith, encapsulates the pantry’s mission, inspired by the founders’ beliefs and their wish for all of humanity to prosper. The operation’s success is also preparing the next generation for leadership and community service through initiatives like the Youth Leadership Program, ensuring the enduring impact of Seva Collective’s compassionate mission. This blend of immediate aid and long-term community building showcases the profound effect of collective goodwill in addressing systemic challenges.

Detroit Youth Non-profits to Receive Millions for Endowments

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By M. MarksPosted In: ChildFund International

In an inspiring collaboration, Lisa Ford and her husband Bill, the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Co., have launched a visionary campaign to bolster the future of Detroit-based youth organizations. In partnership with The Children’s Foundation, the Fords aim to secure a minimum of $10 million to establish permanent endowments for ten deserving nonprofits focused on serving the city’s younger population.

Endowments offer increased financial stability, allowing nonprofits to draw annual returns to support their operations. The chosen Detroit nonprofits will be announced in June. They will each receive $500,000 that will enable them to launch an endowment, and they will have the opportunity to grow the endowment through matching contributions and fundraising efforts.

Lisa Ford’s approach was shaped by prior successful fundraising endeavors and a belief in the power of collaboration to effect meaningful change. The campaign’s innovative approach to endowment selection will involve community input, emphasizing a broad spectrum of services eligible for support. The initiative seeks to challenge the norm, where only a fraction of nonprofits are privileged to have endowments. Experts in the field of philanthropy advocate for endowments as a means of ensuring generational equity and organizational stability.

By fostering a financially secure environment for youth-focused nonprofits, the Fords and The Children’s Foundation aim to create a lasting impact, ensuring these vital organizations can continue their work for generations to come.

Unicorn Licenses Raise Money for Animal Care

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By M. MarksPosted In: Animals and Nature

Los Angeles County presented its inaugural unicorn license to a local first-grade girl in December, sparking a global phenomenon. Madeline’s heartfelt letter to L.A. County Animal Care and Control asking for permission to house a unicorn in her backyard if she can find one, has gathered significant attention worldwide.

While shelters all over the country are struggling under increased pet surrenders, insufficient funding, and staffing troubles, Madeline’s search for a unicorn has inspired a new fundraising initiative at the Los Angeles Count Animal Care Foundation. To help support local pet owners, the Foundation has started offering unicorn licenses in exchange for a donation. In 2023, 417 unicorn licenses have been issued to people around the world, and Madeline’s Magical Unicorn Fund has raised $17,420.

Marcia Mayeda, L.A. County Director of Animal Care and Control explains, “Local government can only fund resources and activities at a certain level… The foundation is absolutely critical in making sure we can go above and beyond that.” Mayeda is curious as to whether she will receive license requests for any other mythical creatures. She reassured the city that she “made it clear when I issued the unicorn license that if anybody wanted a license for a dragon, I was going to refer them to the fire chief.”

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.

Damar Hamlin to Donate $10 Million to Foundation

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Sports

In January of 2023, Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during a Monday Night Football game. Viewers watched as he was rushed to the hospital, and concerned football players, fans, and well-wishers immediately began donating money online to assist Hamlin and his family. Fortunately, Hamlin was released from the hospital 9 days later, and his recovery continues to progress. Nearly 5 months after the incident, Hamlin has announced that he will use the $10 million he received in donations to fund his own non-profit, the Chasing M’s Foundation.

Hamlin created the Chasing M’s Foundation in 2020 when he was playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh. According to the Chasing M’s website, the “Charitable fund is dedicated to the development, health, & safety of youth sports, engagement activities, & programming.” The Foundation’s articles of incorporation have recently been updated to include sports education, including CPR and AED training.

Hamlin told the press, ““We have been very deliberate and intentional about taking our time to set my charity up properly, … I’m excited to begin sharing news about programs we are creating to impact a generation of youth and give back to others.”

The 2023 PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge Is Underway!

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity in Sports, Childrens CharitiesTagged:

Staffing provider PeopleReady is once again partnering with Indycar to sponsor the PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge.

Throughout the 2023 NTT INDYCAR Series, the first driver and race team to win a race on all three types of circuits (road course, street circuit, and oval) will earn $500,000 to divide amongst themselves, and an additional $500,000 to give to the charity of their choice. 

But that’s not all! Winners of each of the 17 individual races in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will receive $5,000 for themselves, and $5,000 for their chosen charity.

Last year’s grand prize winner was Josef Newgarden and Team Penske. After finishing first at the Texas Motor Speedway, in Long Beach, California, and on the course at Road America, the victors split their winnings between two charities, SeriousFun Children’s Network, which offers free camp experiences to children living with chronic health problems, and Wags and Walks of Nashville, a rescue center for dogs.

The first race of the 2023 season, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersberg, took place in early March. Winner Marcus Ericsson split $5,000 with the Chip Ganassi Racing team, and presented $5,000 to the Riley Children’s Foundation, which funds pediatric research and care in Indiana. 

According to Indycar.com, Newgarden explained that the charity money provides extra motivation to win the race, “I just know how impactful (the money) is, so I get really competitive and want to make it happen.” 

Dak Prescott is 2022’s Walter Payton Man of the Year

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity Activity, Charity in Sports, HealthTagged: , ,

Every year, NFL teams are invited to nominate their players for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is given to a player who shows excellence on and off the field. 

This year’s winner is Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Dak Prescott, who’s charity work for the Faith Fight Finish Foundation focuses on cancer research and suicide prevention. 

As reported in People Magazine, Prescott’s mother, Peggy, died of colon cancer in 2013. At the NFL Honors ceremony in early February, Prescott spoke lovingly of his mother,

“My mother was, and still is, my moral compass. And through my own charitable contributions, I seek to share her strength and courage with the world.”

Following his brother Jace’s suicide in 2020, Prescott expanded the work of the Faith Fight Finish Foundation to include suicide prevention. He made a promise to himself “that that would be one life taken to save millions.”

Winners of the Man of the Year award are granted $250,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Nominees are granted up to $40,000 to donate to charity through the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.

Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was also nominated for the award in 2022, as was Saquon Barley of the New York Giants. Last year’s winner was Los Angeles Rams tackle, Andrew Whitworth.

Firefighter Challenge 2022

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By M. MarksPosted In: Charity Activity, Family

This year’s annual Firefighter Challenge event took place over the weekend in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The fundraiser began with a relay on Friday night, and continued with individual competitions on Saturday, attracting over 250 people. Team competitions were scheduled for Sunday. Over $85,000 has already been raised for the Grand Rapids Fire Department Fire Prevention Foundation, which will go toward smoke detectors and other safety measures to keep locals safe.

The event brought in firefighters from over 1,300 miles away. Organizers reported that the Firefighter Challenge is also an opportunity for people to learn more about the work firefighters do, and even recruit interest. By the end of Saturday, over a dozen attendees were considering the line of work.

What do the competitions at the event actually look like? The purpose is to simulate real life scenarios. In one timed course, the participants carried a bunch of heavy hoses while climbing up five flights of stairs. They then returned downstairs to the street, broke through a door, and lugged a water hose through the doorway, spraying at the target. In the last stage, the firefighters simulated the rescue of a trapped person, pulling a 175-pound man to the finish line 100 feet away.

In addition to the competitions aimed at firefighters, the Firefighter Challenge is also designed to attract families. There are a variety of fun activities for children, such as the Kid’s Challenge Course and others which promote fire safety. An array of dining options are offered, including food trucks and a beer tent.

If you missed this year’s Firefighter Challenge, be sure to check back in a few months to see where next year’s event will be held!

KC Natives Return to their Hometown for Charity Event

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By M. MarksPosted In: HealthTagged: , , , , ,

This past weekend, as the crowd anticipated the initial clash between the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals, they were entertained first by a group of Big Slick celebrities hosted by KC natives Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis and Rob Riggle.

The three celebrities hosted the Little K Wiffle Ball Game, which, alongside a celebrity poker tournament, party and auction, supports the Cancer Center at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Teamed up with other celebs, including Jon Hamm and David Koechner, the three funnymen ‘slugged it out’ on the field against athletes both local and professional.
The annual event was established by Riggle and his fellow hometown icons a few years back.

“I’m a parent, and if you’re a parent and you come to Children’s Mercy and you see the work they’re doing, you’re hooked. It got to me,” Riggle said.