Today is #GivingTuesday. It is so much better in my opinion than Black Friday. It gives us a chance to look around, take stock of what matters to us and help others.
Personally, I get that times have been a little challenging for so many of us and that just paying the bills and fulfilling our own household obligations are sometimes hard enough and to think of investing in our community may not be at the top of the list.
However, please think of that passion you have, for whatever it may be, and look at how you can make that part of the community better.
This past week I matched funds up to $5,000 for the Arizona Trail at the Business Builder Bike Ride . Most everyone in attendance stepped up and donated $3,700. That made the total $7,400. I’ll extend my match to try and get to a total of $10,000 before the end of the month. If you make a donation, let me know, so I can add to my share.
Perhaps being outside and in Nature is not your passion, and that creating a community of acceptance, support, and understanding regarding children in grief will motivate you. Each year, Tu Nidito supports approximately 800 children and their families through one-on-one and group-based services. You can donate here. (I’m still $209.00 short on my fundraising goal for El Tour and would personally appreciate assistance on this one) http://tunidito.kintera.org/faf/help/helpAboutOrg.asp?ievent=1151472&lis=1&kntae1151472=E5C77485F0654F8F89384B9FA991276E
I know many of you are cyclist and having safe roads matters. Consider Look! Save a Life. http://www.looksavealife.org/ . Click Donate I the top corner or buy a jersey. Just having the image on the road and sharing the message matters.
I’m a big fan of El Grupo Youth Cycling myself. Is there anything as good as supporting the future of your obsession passion. http://www.elgrupocycling.org/donate/
Do you like to get a little back when you are giving and motivate yourself at the same time. Consider registering for The Tour De Cure. You can help fund diabetes camps for kids, education, and research while riding your bike, being with friends, eating and drinking beer. WIN/WIN/WIN!
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?pg=entry&fr_id=11754
If you are low on funds, there are many other another option. The Endurance Project needs donations for their Christmas Morning Giveaway. I know I’ve been feeling the chill in the air, can you imagine what it would be like sleeping outside tonight. There is a drop off box for donations in most bike shops around town as well as one in my Long Realty Office at 1890 E River Road.
Also, make a commitment to give some time this season. I had an ask from Health South for singers to come entertain the patients. The Salvation Army always needs bell ringers.
Next year, my goal is to raise $35,000 for the 35th El Tour De Tucson and split the funds among the 60 plus beneficiaries. I’m very excited to meet with each of these charities throughout the year so I can learn how each provides a needed service in the community and to help my friends find where they can invest in Southern Arizona. If you are having trouble figuring out how you can help out, I am happy to pair you with an organization that will match your passion.