This holiday season, do away with your images of greedy Scrooges and Grinches!
While events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are examples of American excess, #GivingTuesday was a perfect opportunity to spread awareness for non-profits that do good in the world. Held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday encourages people to give what they can to charities and non profits all over the United States.
In honor of this global day of giving, Brooklyn Community Foundation Tuesday morning hosted "Brooklyn Gives," where 20 area nonprofit organizations--finalists of BCF's coveted Spark Prize-- gathered with BCF at Brooklyn Industries apparel store on Smith Street to encourage residents to donate to their organization!
The philanthropy day was particularly special for the 20 finalists, as the Foundation pledged to match donations of money raised that day for the 20 nonprofits for up to $100,000 total. Brooklyn Industries also pledged 10 percent of its sales to those same non profits.
Complimentary doughnuts were provided by Dough Doughnuts, enticing passersby looking through the window.
"I am so delighted to play a role in the development in this community. It's nice to give back, and to help these other fine organizations give back as well," said Cecilia Clarke, executive director of Brooklyn Community Foundation. "The 20 organizations gathered here today embrace the ideals that the foundation wants to see in nonprofits."
Prior to the Tuesday event, the 20 organizations also had received extensive free training from BCF on outreach through workshops and webinars.
"I remember this part of Brooklyn was very different when I was younger," said Ken Daly, president of NY Operations for National Grid and a Brooklyn native. "Thanks to these nonprofit partnerships [we are seeing] such positive changes! Our role as leaders is to help Brooklyn with its next steps into redevelopment."
Deputy Borough Chief President Diana Reyna presented Clarke with a special proclamation, commemorating the first-ever Brooklyn Gives event and recognizing BCF's outstanding service to Brooklyn: "The need for nonprofits is greater today than it ever was," said Reyna.
"As Deputy Borough President, addressing the needs of 2.6 million people in Brooklyn is a challenge. The BCF shines a light on the key issues of the community. Public and private partnerships have benefited the community greatly, and I salute the BCF for their groundbreaking work!"
The Spark Prize winners will be announced on BCF's website in January.
