Charitable Giving Down - But the Need is Still There!

A friend of mine who works for an arts non-profit in New York City posted this New York Times Article about how charitable giving was down last year. This is not surprising with the downturn in the economy. However, this year, 2009, is probably going to be even worse since charitable giving seems to reflect the economy in the current year.

So what does that mean for organizations such ourselves and others? We're going to have to work that much harder to make sure the lights stay on, the rent is paid, and that the students we serve have a safe place to come through the summer and into the coming school year. Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection just held two amazing events. The first, the May Tutor/Mentor Leadership and Networking Conference, which had over 120 people who work with youth from places as varied as Mississippi, Virginia, Iowa, Wisconsin, Arizona, and of course Chicago and the rest of Illinois come together to learn and network. The other one was our year-end dinner, which hosted over 200 students, their families, volunteers, and alumni. These two events were truly a celebration and we hope that the people who attended these events are compelled to help our organization and other organizations like ours out in the coming months.

So what can you do? Even a donation of $20 can contribute to paying the rent or keeping the lights on here at Cabrini Connections, Tutor/Mentor Connection. Also, keep abreast of future events that we are hosting. Our Jimmy Biggs Memorial Golf Tournament is going to be held Thursday July 16th at Highland Park Country Club. You can put together a group of yourself and three other friends and play for $700 if you register on the website before June 15th (after June 15th it's $800). If you can't get a group together, but still want to play, it's $175 for a round of golf. And, if you don't golf but want to help kids succeed, you either sponsor a hole for $330 (even more cost-effective - you can sponsor a hole with a group of friends, splitting the cost!), donate an item for our silent auction, or just come to the dinner that evening!

I also hope to keep everyone updated about fundraising events held by other programs as well in the coming months. In times like these we have to stay optimistic and positive about funding, but we also need to be proactive. If you want to help out with fundraising and grant-writing, leave a comment and we'll get back to you. Thanks everybody!