GMB’s Post

Being a fundraiser, to me, means embracing the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My role at the YMCA, which I am deeply passionate about, allows me to be my authentic self, whether that means showing up to work dressed as a pirate, leading songs, or educating about safety in fun and engaging ways. However, beyond these lighter moments, the true essence of my job lies in the ability to effect positive change in the lives of children and their families. Throughout my time here, I've been moved by the resilience of families facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Our team works diligently to provide tailored support, striving to create an environment where each person feels valued and cared for, without them sensing the extent of our efforts. This focus on delivering an exceptional experience is at the heart of what we do. As we look forward to 2024, there are specific areas where funding is critically needed. I am reaching out today to ask if you or someone you know can help champion one of these causes. Your support could significantly help us bridge the funding gaps for essential services: - Providing an on-site nurse during the summer, which requires $12,000. - Hiring a seasonal behavior specialist, with a funding need of $7,800. - Employing a seasonal mental health specialist for both staff and campers, also needing $7,800. - Offering direct access to families impacted by cancer, which requires $8,000. - Supporting families navigating the foster system, needing a similar amount of $8,000. - Providing Support to (10) Title 1 schools so students can access Outdoor education, with a funding need of $7,000-10,000 - In 2023 with provided $150,000 of program adjustments, closing this gap also allows us to focus on program advancement. Your involvement, whether through direct support or connecting us with potential champions for these causes, can profoundly influence the lives of those we serve. Together, we have the power to make a real difference. Select the link to become a fundraiser, Thank you https://lnkd.in/g2aPrj7Q

We are helping others by planting seeds of empathy and compassion in our communities. 💗 Each season, GOTR participants jumpstart their journey into philanthropy by creating and implementing community impact projects that they plan and execute as a team! Through this, they witness first-hand what happens when you come together, open your heart, and work diligently to complete a team goal. ✨ The sooner GOTR girls engage in helpful acts, the sooner they embrace life skills such as teamwork, self-esteem, and respect for other people, especially those who are different from them. Want to learn more about bringing a Girls on the Run team to a community or school near you? Click here: https://lnkd.in/gRpXRjYe

In a world that often feels divided, yeah those Copa America games, there's one thing that can bring us together: giving back to our communities. 🌟 This week, I'm thrilled to share a theme that's close to my heart – community service. You can't go be all about receiving, there has to be giving in your life and for me it's working with the community and also give back through my photography work. The lightbulb went full supernova a few years ago when I received an email to be part of an incredible initiative providing pro bono headshot sessions for those that had lost their jobs due to Covid-19. Here was the opportunity to give back, in the time that people were losing jobs left and right. But this is just one way to contribute. Our communities are filled with opportunities to lend a hand, share our skills, and make a positive impact. From volunteering at local shelters to mentoring the next generation, every act of kindness creates a ripple effect of change. I'm curious, what community initiatives or nonprofits have you been involved with? What projects have given you a sense of purpose and connection? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let's inspire each other with stories of compassion and generosity. If you're moved by the power of community service, give this post a like, leave a comment, or better yet, repost to spread the word. Together, we can make a difference. 💖 #GivingBack #CommunityService #MakeADifference

Some great news for Rhizhome, one of the organizations that I admire, for their commitment to a truly bottom-up, youth-led approach to community and social change!

LOCKHART RESIDENTS! MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING COMING UP NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 7 Lockhart Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 7601 Edgewater Dr. Orlando, Fl 32810 6:30 - 7:30 pm Guest Speakers: *Officer Tom Boggs *Brandy Driggers, Orange Cty Zoning Dept. Topics this month: *Discussion regarding June 4th upcoming election of board members by the People of Lockhart members. If you would like to vote next month and are not a POL member yet, please join at this meeting. Membership forms will be at the welcome table. Cost is only $20.00 for the year to be a member. If you are interested in running for any of these positions, please let us know at the May 7th meeting so you may be added to the ballot. We are accepting nominations for all positions. If you are interested in becoming a committee leader or member, please let us know at the May 7th meeting. President Vice President # 1 Vice President # 2 Secretary Treasurer Committee Board Leaders - We need a lot of members to make our committees strong. Beautification / Sustainability - Tamra McClung Leader, needs members Community Development - Kathy Pumphrey Leader, needs members Crime Prevention & Safety - Needs a leader and members Events - Needs a leader and members Governmental / Advocacy - Greg Mellowe Leader, needs members Membership - Lucy Barnes Leader, needs members Spirit - Toni Cheatle Leader, needs members *May 11th ROSE AVE. Corridor of the Year Workday, 8 am to 11:30 am, Park on Rundle and Rose. *Need a minimum of 40 volunteers for May 11th. We are continuing our work on painting the roses, tree / bush trimming, and trash collection. *Larry Branan is the Rose Avenue Corridor of the Year Chief. If you plan on volunteering, please let Larry know....larrybranan@aol.com *High School and Middle School students - we will sign off on your community service hours forms. Just bring them with you on May 11th. *We earn extra points for any Rose Ave. residents who come out to help us. *If you are not able to paint, trim or clean up trash on May 11th, no problem, just check in with Larry and he can meet you on a day that you are available. DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO PURCHASE MORE PAINT FOR THE FENCE AND THE ROSE. DONATION JAR WILL BE ON THE WELCOME TABLE. *Bear Wise Neighborhood - If your neighborhood would like to be a "Bear Wise Neighborhood, please let us know and we will contact Katrina, the woman who spoke at our March General Mtg. *Lockhart Care's group will be at the 2nd Harvest Food Bank on Friday, May 10th, 8 to 11 am. There are a few spots left for anyone who would be interested in packing meals for families. You have to register online. If interested, please email Susan Branan for the link. SusanBranan@aol.com

📣 It's GoodGiving time in the Bluegrass! As you are considering which non-profits to support during Blue Grass Community Foundation's GoodGiving Week, we ask that you support the innovative, important, and unique work that we do here at CivicLex. Why should you support us? - Everything we do is public; Our workshops, forums, newsletter, focus groups, game nights,, and more are free and open to the public! - We make local government more accessible; We answer questions like: How do I contact my Councilmember? What is public comment? Who can I work with to start a new project in my neighborhood? - Local government is really important; Housing, walking and biking paths, public transportation, parks, community events, composing, development, traffic, parking…You name it, we can show you how it’s connected to your local government! - We do big things with a small budget; In 2023, CivicLex’s budget was $310,000. With this, we continued many of our workshops and programs but also rolled out our new Park Equity Accelerator Program and developed a brand new K12 Program. All while providing civic information weekly to thousands of residents! There aren't many organizations like us, and we need your support so we can continue to become a national leader in local civic education work! Support us with any amount you can here: https://lnkd.in/gUPMD9GW

That's a wonderful perspective Anoop N. Mehta, CPA, CGMA , I absolutely agree with you. Volunteering and giving back to society not only benefit those in need but also have a positive impact on the volunteers themselves. It's common for people to have concerns about time or resources, but it's important to remember that even small contributions can make a big difference. Volunteering doesn't always require a significant time commitment; even dedicating a few hours a week or participating in one-time events can have a meaningful impact. Engaging in community service allows you to learn and grow in various ways. It provides opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and broaden your perspective by interacting with diverse individuals and communities. It helps build empathy and compassion, as you get the chance to understand and support those facing challenges different from your own. Additionally, being part of a volunteer network or an organization provides a support system. You can count on fellow volunteers, mentors, and the organization itself to provide guidance, assistance, and encouragement when faced with difficulties or obstacles. In the end, making a difference, no matter how small, in someone's life is incredibly rewarding. The impact you create may ripple through the community, inspiring others and creating a positive cycle of change. I encourage all my students, or anyone for that matter, to get involved in volunteering and giving back to society. It's an incredible way to create positive change and enrich one's own life in the process. The friendships forged through volunteering often extend beyond the realm of community service. They can become a source of support, encouragement, and inspiration in various aspects of your life. Whether you need someone to lean on during challenging times or someone to celebrate your achievements, having friends who share your values and passions can make a significant difference.

Although the creative sector is regularly celebrated for the beauty and color it contributes to the region, it can be viewed by donors as a nice-to-have amenity, not a need-to-have asset, writes Sally Dix, executive director of Bravo Greater Des Moines, in our Pillars of Philanthropy magazine. "How do donors compare the value of the number of meals provided against the spark of imagination ignited when a class of third graders hears the symphony play for the first time?" she writes. "How does the number of affordable housing units built measure up to the impact of seeing your culture elevated and celebrated at a festival that draws thousands? When there are so many immediate, critical community issues to invest in, how do donors measure and place value on the impact of a standing ovation? And who gets to decide for anyone else whether creativity and beauty are essential?" Food and shelter are basic and essential needs, and beauty can provide comfort, resilience, wisdom, and the means for self-expression and connection, which are essential to belonging and identity. Read more:

Hey Everyone! Exciting news from my end—this is my first year as a member of the Richardson Family YMCA Board, and I couldn't be more pumped to share something incredible with you all! As a first-year board member, I'm beyond honored to be part of the team carrying out our Annual Capital Campaign. We're on a mission to elevate our beloved Richardson Family YMCA and make a lasting impact on our community. Why It Matters Our vision goes beyond physical structures; it's about transforming lives and fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting this campaign, you're investing in a brighter future for families, kids, and everyone in our community. What's in the Pipeline? --State-of-the-art facilities --Expanded programs catering to all age groups --Community spaces designed for connection --Ensuring access for everyone, regardless of financial barriers How You Can Make a Difference 1️⃣ Join Me: Be part of this journey by contributing to our campaign. Your support matters more than you know! 2️⃣ Spread the Word: Help us amplify our impact. Share this post, let your network know, and let's create a ripple effect of positive change. 3️⃣ Connect: I'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and any way you'd like to get involved. Let's make a difference together! Feel free to reach out and I would love to discuss what the Y does in our community. Learn more and contribute: https://lnkd.in/geJuKQau Let's write history together and build a legacy that generations will be proud of. I'm all in—how about you? #FirstYearBoardMember #RichardsonYMCA #RichardsonFamilyYMCA #TheY #ymca #supportthey #CapitalCampaign #CommunityImpact #JoinTheJourney #LinkedInCommunity #TogetherWeCan

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) has a rich history and a wide-reaching impact in its community. Here are some fun and interesting facts about Redwood Credit Union: Community Reach and Size: Redwood Credit Union serves over 415,000 members across several counties including Sonoma, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, and Solano. As of July 31, 2022, it is the largest credit union in the North Bay, boasting $7.6 billion in assets. It's the 37th largest credit union in the U.S. among approximately 5,200 credit unions and the 8th largest in California out of 300. RCU operates 19 branch locations, with 18 in the North Bay and 1 in San Francisco. They also provide over 30,000 free network ATMs and an out-of-network ATM fee reimbursement program for members. History and Development: Founded in 1950 by seven employees of the County of Sonoma, it later changed its name to Redwood Credit Union in 1982 to reflect the increased demand for affordable financial services in the North Bay. By 2004, RCU's membership had reached 100,000 and by 2007, its assets had grown to $1 billion. They also moved into a new corporate building in Santa Rosa, CA, which is recognized as a silver LEED-Certified green building. Recognition and Awards: RCU has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best Small Employers 2023". It has received the title of the healthiest credit union in California and ranked sixth healthiest in the nation among large credit unions. The credit union has also been acknowledged as the "Best Credit Union" by the readers of Press Democrat every year and has achieved numerous other accolades including a 5‐Star Bauer Rating and an A+ Excellent Rating from Weiss Ratings. Community Impact and Services: RCU is committed to helping its members improve their lives and making a positive difference in the community. It has been active in this regard since 1950, aiding people in achieving their financial goals and dreams. The credit union offers a full range of financial services for both personal and business use, including checking, savings, loans, credit cards, investments, insurance, and auto purchasing/brokerage. Employee Base: Employing 720 individuals, RCU contributes significantly to local employment. Moreover, RCU has been named one of the best places to work for the 17th consecutive year by the North Bay Business Journal. These facts paint a picture of a credit union deeply rooted in its community, committed to providing excellent service and value to its members, and recognized both locally and nationally for its stability, service, and workplace culture. Cheers to the team and leader Brett Martinez