Giveback Giveaway Stories!
At The Triangle Community Foundation's Annual Holiday Party, guests enjoyed food, drink, and entertainment at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. The festive night ended with a surprise involving envelops with $10 cash and a challenge introduced by Executive Director, Andrea Bazán.
The Give Back Giveaway has three rules:
1) Match the $10 with at least $10 of your own
2) Go out and give the money to someone you do not know or an organization doing good in the region
3) Tell us what you did on by either emailing us or posting it on our Facebook page!
Check out some of the stories below:
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Anonymous Give Back to the Community!
"I looked for a way to bring someone holiday cheer with this money. I considered
people I might give it to, how $20 might be a happy surprise to someone trying
to make ends meet. But in fact, I had trouble in the course of my daily
contacts finding such a person.
In the end, I went to Home Depot and bought some christmas ornaments at
half-price, then to TROSA to buy a length of greens, and decorated Major the
Bull downtown. (See attached photo.) The decorations lasted until New Year's
Eve, when some vigilante group dressed the Bull in festive New Year's hat and
whistle.
This may not be exactly what you had intended, but I hope this small act at
least brought some smiles. Not even my wife knows it was me who did this."
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Melinda Wiggins, SAF Executive Director, Donated to the Windcall Institute
"I just wanted to let you know that I contributed the $10 provided by TCF with $40 of my own funds to support the Windcall Institute. Windcall provides opportunities for social activists that need a break to spend several at a retreat center doing nothing. I went to Montana five years ago when I took a sabbatical from Student Action with Farmworkers and it was great. I read, slept, hiked, went horse-back riding, & even discovered a new craft--pottery.
Windcall provides a great gift for organizers--time off in a beatiful setting with no set program!"
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Glenn C. Andrews, President of Cardinal Capital Management, Inc Gave to Haiti Fund
"I gave twenty dollars to the Edenton Street Methodist Church’s Fund for Haiti Relief. Sorry for the delay and it didn’t go directly to the Triangle but I think we all benefit."
Angel Wright-Feldman, from the City of Raleigh, Gave to the Interfaith Food Shuttle
Executive Director of the Inter-faith Food Shuttle, Jill Staton Bullard (center) receives our $100 donation from Haley Rader (left) and Ja'Nell Henry (right).
"I attended the Triangle Community Foundation's annual holiday party with 2 of my AmeriCorps volunteers in December. We each received our $10 from the Foundation and wondered what we would do individually to give back to the community. After a few days of brainstorming, we decided to pull our resources and reach out to our friends in our office for additional help. Over the course of a few weeks, we turned $30 into a $100 and decided to give that our donation to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. My AmeriCorps volunteers, Ja'Nell Henry and Haley Rader, were able to hand deliver our gift to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's Executive Director, Jill Staton Bullard. They even received a full tour of the facilities and were able to learn more about the work being done to help eliminate food insecurity and hunger in the Triangle. Thanks to the Triangle Community Foundation for inspiring us to get involved and give back to our community"
Johnnie M. Darden Sr. Gave Back to Two Families Through Standing Inside the Gap, Inc.
"On Sat 12/19/09 Standing Inside The Gap had a Christmas event to thank all Standing Inside The Gap participants & volunteers. Standing Inside the Gap, Inc. was able to participate in the triangle gives back. Stand was able to pass it forward to two deserving families in the total of forty dollars. It was a joy to help someone feel hope when it seems to be all but gone. Thank you Triangle give back org. for giving us the opportunity to share in the joy of giving. This event took place Dec 19 2009 at the Gardner Road Y Raleigh, NC."
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Deanna Kleiss and GRACE in 2010
"First, I would like to say that I was utterly impressed with TCF's challenge to "do good differently this holiday season" and I am most honored to participate.
So, my answer to the challenge, and one way that I plan to "do good differently" is what I call GRACE 2010.
Here is what I did:I matched TCF's $10 gift times 10 for a total of $100. During these tough economic times, I see more and more people standing on the street corner with signs needing help. I, as I am sure many others do, wonder, what is the best way to help when I encounter this situation? What can I do? I cannot simply ignore it, and I rarely have cash to give, so I finally decided to get ten $10 gift cards to Subway. I put five in one envelope and five in another, both envelopes labeled GRACE 2010. I gave one to my husband and kept the other for myself. We put these envelopes in the glove boxes in our cars, so whenever we see that person on the street corner in need, we can pull out our Grace 2010 envelope and hand over one of the $10 gift cards to Subway. That's it. Simple. Some food...something we all need.
It just so happens that last week I had the opportunity to give my first gift card to a man that I have seen several times on my commute home. Up to now, each time I've seen him, I never had cash or anything else I could give, so I would just roll down my window and say that I'm sorry and that I wish I could help and just offered some works of encouragement. I am glad that this time, I could help.I plan to "do good good differently" each year from now on. I put the original $10 bill in the original envelope from the TCF holiday gathering on my bulletin board in my home office. It is my reminder of my commitment to the challenge in 2010 and the years to come.
Thank you TCF for challenging us to do something different and creative, and thank you for all that good that you do in the Triangle.
Grace x 10 in 2010!"
Michelle Smith, Southern Coalition for Social Justice; Fund Development, Gave Back to a Stranger in Need
"Once I received the challenge to give back to someone that was in need I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted give to an elderly person that looked like they were in need. I went to a store in Greensboro and saw a elderly woman that was shopping. I always take the time to stop and hold a conversation with elderly people that I come across. This particular woman was talking to me about how hard the economy had affected her family. She was trying to do the best she could with the money she had to shop with for Christmas. I immediately thought of my challenge and gave her the $10 that was given to me from Triangle Community Foundation and added another $10. The look on her face and her sincere thank you truly made my Holiday a great one."
Belle P. Long, Curator of the Joel Lane Museum House, Inc. Gave to Help Bring History to Life
"Because this place where I work is my prime interest and a cause in which I strongly believe, I decided to give my $10 added to yours to the scholarship fund of the Joel Lane Museum House.
Our mission as a house museum is to educate. We believe that people who don’t learn about their past are doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. Because we are a non-profit operating on a razor-thin budget, we have to charge a nominal fee to all our visitors. We used to offer our services free to school groups, but that is no longer possible.
We established a scholarship fund last year so we could take our Hands-on History program to low income schools. This is an interactive program with several different modules that brings reproduction artifacts and well-versed docents into the classroom in order to supplement the materials teachers use to teach the history of the local community, the State of NC, and even US history. We find that engaging other senses than just the ears helps students to have a much better grasp of what life was like in 18th-century Carolina, which is the period we specialize in.
Thanks so much for offering this opportunity"
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Judy Eshelman Gave Back to the Senior Center
"I was pleased to match your $10 and took toiletries to the Senior Center."
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Richard Smith-Overman More than Matched and Gave Back
"The $10 has been matched with $20 and a $30 donation has been made to Witness for Peace Southeast (CITCA)."
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Richard Whisnant Gave Back to Prison MATCH
"I added $20 to mine and gave it to the Prison MATCH (Mothers And Their Children) of NC charity, which I serve as volunteer treasurer. They promote the bond between mother and child for women who are in the NCCIW, the major facility for women serving long sentences. This is done by arranging mother/child visitation in a home-like setting within the prison. We could use some additional support from charitable sources."
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Kay Walker, Director of Development Autism Society of North Carolina, Gave Back to the Cedar Cross Retreat Center
"Many, many thanks for the $10 to give back to the community! I gave your $10, along with $40 of my own money, to the Cedar Cross Retreat Center in Louisburg, NC. Cedar Cross is a spiritual retreat center that is utilized by professionals, businesses, and individuals for a time away from the stresses of our current world. This small center relies totally on the donations of others in order to remain open. It is a wonderful place and is a place that I am confident will use this donation to the betterment of others and our community. I appreciate your donation as it was a jump-start for me sending them my personal gift! What a great way to support our community! Thanks for all that you do for the Triangle and beyond. I look forward to working with you more in the coming year."
Jodi Hubble, Director of Development and Communications of Be Active North Carolina, Inc. Gave to the Girl Scouts
"What a great opportunity to maximize dollars to make greater impact! I was torn when given the instruction for the Giveaway Challenge by Andrea. As I scanned the room, I realized that there was a great number of worthy causes represented at this holiday party. So many people who do such important work in our community. Then I spotted Leigh Duque from the Girl Scouts of North Carolina Coastal Pines, and I knew how I would leverage this gift from TCF. I matched the $10, then added $10 more. Both personally and professionally, I know that the mission and work of the Girl Scouts makes a positive impact in the lives of girls and their communities. I am thankful that my daughter--who is only two now--will grow up with access to programs like those offered by the Girl Scouts. Programs that model and teach leadership skills and foster positive self-esteem. Girl Scouting also offers opportunities for young women to be physically active, through dance programs and summer camps, which can lay the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and good health. I can’t think of a better way to meet TCF’s Challenge. Thanks for giving the gift of giving!"
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Gladys R. Walker, Executive Director of Capital City Intergenerational Care, Inc., Gives Back to Help Middle School Students Achieve
"I matched the $10.00 given to me with another $10.00 and gave $20.00 to Genesis 21st Century Community Learning Center. Genesis 21st CCLC works with 60 middle school students who need assistance meeting local and state promotion standards. All students have scoredbelow grade level on the NC End-of-Grade test of mathematics or reading or both. The program is funded with a federal grant administered by the N C State Department of Public Instruction. However, Genesis 21st CCLC is challenged with raising 20% and 40% ($20,000 and $40,000) for Years 3 and 4 respectively."
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Patrice Y. Nelson, Executive Director of Urban Ministries of Durham Gave in a New Way to a Familiar Organization
"During the holidays, there were an average of 145 people per night including 9 families with children staying at the Urban Ministries of Durham Shelter. As a child, I always liked seeing the lights at Christmas, even if we had little else. I took the $10 you provided and matched it with $90 of my own funds and purchased several strings of outside Christmas lights to donate to the Urban Ministries Shelter. The multi-colored lights were appreciated by many a guest on the cold nights this holiday season, especially by the children. Thanks for your gift"
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Missy Hatley, Assistant Director of Development Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Gave to a Cause she Cares About
"In my work, I meet the most generous people. Last year, I met a Habitat homeowner named Alecia who built and purchased her home in 2001. Even though she is a busy, working mom, Alecia is committed to volunteerism. Alecia told me about her work with PrisonMatch of NC chaperoning young children on visits with their mothers who are incarcerated. Alecia explained that she was motivated to do this because she didn’t want the children to feel abandoned. The mothers in the program commit to parenting classes and extra work to earn this time with their children. It really struck me how these short visits a few times a year would impact a child. I also thought about how heart wrenching it must be for both Alecia and the child on the way home from these visits. Knowing how busy Alecia is with her own children and full-time job made this brave volunteer work of hers even more inspiring. I added some of my own funds to the TCF challenge and donated to PrisonMatch in honor of Alecia. My coworker Veronica also joined me in making a gift to PrisonMatch. It is exciting to know that this challenge is multiplying the number and amount of gifts flooding the Triangle. I look forward to reading about all of them!"
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Conservation Trust for North Carolina Takes our Challenge and Collects Coins to Send Kids to Camp!
CTNC staff and their families cleaned out their pockets to help the Triangle Community Foundation send kids to camp. At TCF’s holiday party, CTNC development director John Bell was handed a $10 bill and a challenge find a creative way to match the money, give it away and then tell TCF about the results. John brought the challenge to CTNC’s staff and proposed that we gather funds for TCF’s Send a Kid to Camp fund, which pays for Triangle-area children to attend day or overnight summer camps in the area. We agreed, because we believe it’s critical to give kids opportunities to interact with nature. We began gathering coins and small bills in a basket at our staff holiday party. The collection graduated to a large vase in the office and grew considerably over the past week. As of this week, we've collected more than $210 - and a British pound coin, a Nepalese rupee, a Panamanian dime, one ibuprofen pill and a collar button.
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Robert Dowling Executive Director of Community Home Trust Gave Back to a Local Nonprofit
"I’m happy to report that I matched the $10 and provided a cash donation to the Carrboro-based organization, People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. People of Faith does a great job of raising awareness around the state. Yet right here in Carrboro many people are unaware of their tireless efforts to support life. I was happy to provide them with my modest donation because I know they stretch all their dollars a long way. Thank you to the Triangle Community Foundation for the start-up capital and the challenge. Happy 2010."
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Babs Wagner, Friends of the Wake Co Guardian Ad Litem Special Projects Director, Made a Difference in One Teenager's Life
"Although my story is not nearly a dramatic as most of them, I know my efforts
made a huge difference to one teenager. I began by adding $20 to the $10 that I
received. I then told everybody that I ran into that day about the $10.00
challenge. By the end of the day I had about $140.00. I took the $140.00
and bought holiday gifts for a teenage girl living in a life that revolves
around the sadness and despair of poverty. She had not been chosen from our
Angel Tree project. The child received an MP3 player, a comforter (which was on
her wish list) jewelry, books, an outfit, shoes,socks, underwear, and the
feeling that she was valued and cared about her.
I loved being part of
the $10.00 give away and am extremely impressed with the impact that the "pay it
Forward" idea achieved. Thank you for the wonderful work you do for our
community."
What the Partridge Family Did with Their $10
"We decided to double our contribution to Community Music School to $200. We also made an agreement with two sets of close friends and gave $50 to each of the charities of their choice in lieu of gifts":
American Lung Association and CORA Food Pantry.
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Irene Nathan Zipper from Family Support Network UNC-CH Turned $10 into $60!
"My response had several steps:
1) I increased the amount and gave the original $10 and more than $10 more to my favorite local program,
2) I gave the original bill to a colleague who chose her own local program to do the same thing
3) She gave it to someone else with the same guidance
That's as far as I have tracked it, but the original $10 generated at least $60 in contributions to local organizations that serve the Triangle. Pretty awesome!"
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Peggy Richmond Gave Back to the First Person that Asked
"Thanks for helping me to focus on giving to somebody I did not know. I made the decision to give the $10 + $10 to the first person I encountered who asked for help. As I exited I-40 at Exit 270 and stopped for the traffic light, a man approached my car with a sign. When I handed him the $20, he said, “Thank you, thank the Lord!” My four-year old granddaughter, in the back seat, asked why did he say “Thank the Lord.” It provided me a wonderful opportunity to explain to her that we sometimes recognize God’s goodness and blessings through the good deeds of people we meet on the street."
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Susan Duncan from Loaves and Fishes, Inc Turned her $10 into Over $1,000 Through a Benefit Concert
"Just prior to attending the TCF Holiday Party, I heard about a friend's young son, who I had never met, who is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant in Minnesota because he suffers from a very rare genetic disease, Fanconi anemia. The disease is so rare that there are only 300 cases in the entire United States. After I received the $10, I shared the story of Carter Pepper with the other two staff members from Loaves and Fishes who were at the party. They wanted to help Carter as well. The next day a friend, Vaughan Penn of the Christian music duo Chynna & Vaughan, saw the Give Back Giveaway envelope at my house and I told her I was going to give the money to Carter. She also knows Carter's dad, Josh, and she said, "Let's have a benefit so we can raise more money." So, on January 3, 2010 Vaughan Penn and Josh Pepper did a concert at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Willow Spring and we raised over $1,000 for Carter's Fight Against Fanconi Anemia! Thank you Triangle Community Foundation so much for planting this seed of giving."
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Vaughan Penn
Vaughan Penn and Josh Pepper, Carter's father
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Sally Wilson, Executive Director Project Access of Durham County. Donated to The Ronald McDonald House!
"Thanks for the opportunity to give back to the Triangle. I matched the gift and made a contribution to Ronald McDonald House of Durham. Best wishes."
Kristen Smith, Development Director, People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, Thought Long and Hard About How to Give Back
"The best party favor ever. Asking folks at the Triangle Community Foundation’s holiday party to match “seed” money and to think about giving differently was a creative and fun challenge. My competitive side wanted to think of the *best* way to make the *most* impact with only $10.
I started thinking about the Giveback Giveaway while I was still mingling at the party. What if the best way to “give back” was to put the $20 in the bartender’s tip jar? Or maybe to give it right back to TCF or to Triangle Gives Back to invest in expanding a culture of giving throughout the Triangle? I had also attended the party with two friends who work at Community Home Trust – so we brainstormed about giving ideas on the way back in the car.
Then I posted the challenge on my Facebook profile to see what ideas my friends had for “giving differently”:
Rebecca Atkins, a guidance counselor at Millbrook Elementary in Raleigh suggested: “The school where I work has a giving tree. Presents range from socks to winter coats to toys. All Are under $30. I'd match your match. ;)”
Becca Edwards, a social worker at Orange County Rape Crisis Center, who also attended the TCF holiday party, wrote: “So good to see you last night! Social Services always takes donations for kids in foster care since many times they homes they stay in can't buy them presents. It's a great way to help a kid who doesn't have a family.”
Fletcher Womble, who works at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, said, “Hey, there is a telethon tonight at ECHHS to raise money for a Free Fresh Fruit Kiosk. They are raising money to have a kiosk at every high school in the district to provide fresh fruit to students afterschool. The thought is that many students to do not have snacks at home and if they do, they do not have healthy options. Students will be able to stop by the kiosk and grab a healthy snack on the way out the door. Just a thought. You wanted to ideas for your $10 match. Hope you are doing well!”
These were all fantastic ideas – how was I going to choose? But what I kept thinking about was microenterprise. I wanted to know what would be the Triangle equivalent of giving to Heifer International or Kiva. How could a small donation ($20) reap big rewards somewhere in Orange, Durham, or Wake County?
On Christmas Eve, while watching Scrooged (an annual tradition of mine), I decided to look at giving through Modest Needs. I learned about this organization after reading Bill Clinton’s book, Giving. The organization tries to “prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance.” So I searched to see if anyone in the Triangle needed some “well-time financial assistance.”
I found a mom of 2-year-old twins and a college student in Knightdale. She had been laid off by the school system, but was juggling applying for another job and her children’s health care appointments. This year I had my own struggles finding a job and I know that Congress was struggling with health care reform. This woman seemed to be the right recipient for TCF’s mini-grant. She said in her request: “Thank you so much for being they’re to help those of us who try to continue living the right way and supporting our families as best we can.”
But the other way that I was part of TCF’s Giveback Giveaway, is a new friend and my “date” to the TCF holiday party, Tamara Watson, decided to give her $20 to my organization, People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. She said, “This was my first donation to this organization which is working to abolish the death penalty. Thank you for this challenge!” This was a wonderful way to see how the challenge could impact the work that we do and how when giving, you often see it come back to you.
Thank you TCF for issuing this challenge. I look forward to hearing more stories of giving throughout the Triangle"
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Karen Johnson Turned $10 into $200 to Buy Shoes for a Man in Need!
"Thank you for the opportunity to give a gift to someone in need during the holidays. Your $10 starter fund allowed me to match and raise $200 to donate to a gentleman at the Raleigh Rescue Mission. Here is his story.
John said he wasn't homeless, but the home he was living in was basically condemned. He had been working but was injured on the job and had been in the care of a physician who said that he could no longer work. He wants to return to work, but is not sure if he will be able to. John had polio as a child and as a result his feet were dramatically different sizes; one foot is a size 7 and the other is a size 10. Also, one of his ankle was slightly disfigured and causes problems.
Prior to the holidays, I learned about John and learned that his shoes had holes that had been filled with paper to keep him dry and warm. Because of his different shoe sizes, he has to buy 2 pairs of the same type of shoe which he cannot afford to do. He needs really good shoes that give him support for his ankles and feet.
When your organization handed out the $10 challenge, I knew exactly how I would use it. My birthday is December 19th and rather than receive gifts, I asked my friends to donate money to help me raise $200 to buy two pairs of shoes for John. My friends and family stepped up to the challenge and were a part of this beautiful gift. Thank you for the opportunity to help John."
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Kathie Morrison, Chair Board of Directors at KidZNotes Gives Back to the Rhonda Robinson Fund
"I tripled the $10 and donated it to the Rhonda Robinson Fund at the Southern
Coalition for Social Justice(SCSJ). Rhonda has been the Community Service Chair
for Durham for
Obama (DFO). A single mom with two children and no access to health insurance,
Rhonda has worked tirelessly for healthcare reform in this country. She was
featured in a video which can be viewed at http://healthcarewithheart.org/?p=455.
Moments before she was to speak out about what it's like to be uninsured in America, she
suffered a grand mal seizure.
To read the full story, please go to:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/9/812384/-HCR-is-Personal-(wvideo)
DFO and SCSJ have organized the Rhonda Robinson Fund to help with her medical
expenses."
Robin M.Temple, Director of Development at Wake Teen Gives to Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh
"I have been holding onto my envelope just waiting for the right time, the most inspirational story but there are too many. Every night when I watched the news I would say – that’s the person or organization that I want to help. Twice, I really thought about the “Bicycle man” in Durham because but I wondered how I would find his house. Finally, returned to a place that I am familiar with because I have donated items there before – Raleigh’s Helping Hand Mission. There was a story on the WRAL website this morning that they were expecting 1,000 families to show up for food, toys, etc and only had resources for about 1,000. TCF $10 will be appreciated and I will do my part with an additional contribution – at least $10 but probably more.Thank you for the $10 as well as the opportunities it provided me to consider the needs in our communities."
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Shamecca Bryant, Development Director at Orange County Rape Crisis Center, Gave to Ronald McDonald House of Durham
"This year my husband and I were planning on providing food and supplies to the Ronald McDonald House but the $10 challenge allowed us to contribute some money as well. We issued the holiday challenge to our close friends and family to donate $10 to Ronald McDonald and then asked co-workers to help supply food and supplies. We were able to get together five bags of groceries and supplies and match the $10 seven tiems.Thank you for offering the challenge and allowing us a creative way to give back to the many great organizations in our community."
Dennis W. Gaddy Executive Director Community Success Initiative Gave to Lost Sheep Ministries
"We matched the TCF gift with $15 and made a contribution to Lost Sheep Ministries of Raleigh, NC that provides Christmas gifts for the homeless at their annual Christmas Party at the South Wilmington St Shelter, Raleigh, NC. We attended the event this year (Sat. Dec. 19th) and over 4,000 gifts were given out to the homeless individuals and their families."
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Mary H. Freeman, President & CEO Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities Gives Back this Season!
"Thank you for the opportunity to participate in doing differently this holiday season. I matched your $10 with $20 and gave it in a card addressed to Robin's Mom to be delivered by Robin. Robin is a service working where I get my tea each day. I have learned that her mom is going through a devastating illness with tremendous expenses at this time. I sent your gift and mine to her. I believe that it will help make things a little easier for them this year. I hope this was in keeping with your ideas."
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Kim Used Her $10 to Help a Friend in Need
"I was one of the recipients of an envelope with $10 in it. I thought about how I wanted to use it to bring joy to someone by matching it with another $10. I decided to buy a gift certificate at our local Marketplace Co'op which is a place where one can not only buy local local food but also it is a place for people to gather or eat. I have a friend who's daughter was murdered in a domestic violence situation. The irony was that her mother , my friend had worked with domestic violence victims for years. This friend of mine has been on disability primarily for her mental state but also because she has had terrible physical problems. She is somewhat isolated, lives alone and in a far corner of Chatham County. I thought that by giving her the gift certificate this would her an opportunity to be out, have coffee or a meal and socialize some. It also helps our local marketplace. This was a great idea of yours, thank you"
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Molly Shepherd Nichols, Development Director at StepUP Ministry Makes her $10 Count
"I just wanted to write back and say that my husband and I matched the gift 19 fold and gave it to StepUP Ministry (where I work). StepUP's mission is to prepare people who are ready and willing to make positive changes in their lives to become self-sufficient. This is accomplished through two programs a Job Training and Placement program and a Life Skills program. We believe in empowering people to change their lives."
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Courtney Worthen, Executive Director HopeLine, Inc. Turned our $10 into $240!
"I was so inspired by the TCF $10 giving challenge. As the Executive Director of HopeLine, a 24 hour suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline, we receive calls from hundreds of people each month who have been adversely affected by the economy. Our callers are finding themselves unemployed, unable to make ends meet and in need of dwindling services they never thought they would have a need for. I matched the $10 that I was given and took the $20 gift to the HopeLine board of directors holiday get together and challenged them to match the $20 in the envelope. By the end of the evening I had raised $240 for HopeLine thanks to the TCF $10 giving challenge. What a wonderful holiday gift to the community"
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Wendy McCorkle Gave Back to Senior PharmAssist
"Wow, I just re-found your envelope/the $10 in my work bag. So I am giving the money plus my match to Senior PharmAssist, a great organization that helps Durham seniors by providing practical help with choosing medicare drug plans, paying for prescriptions, and staying independent. Thank you!"
Mary McGuigan, Director of Development at Genesis Home Gave to Student Action with Farm Workers
"My gift went to SAF Student Action with Farm Workers. Student Action with Farmworkers is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to bring students and farmworkers together to learn about each other’s lives, share resources and skills, improve conditions for farmworkers, and build diverse coalitions working for social change."
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Carol Walborn, Executive Director Community Music School, and Her Husband Started a New Tradition with $10
"This is what my husband and I are doing with our two, $10 bills. Each year, on December 23, we host a holiday party in our home for about 50 friends and family members. This year we will start a new tradition for our party with the TGB funds. We will ask all in attendance to participate in our Giving Tree. Brightly decorated envelopes will be available for each person to match the $10 TGB gift and hang it on our Christmas tree. This year, the funds will go to Family House in Chapel Hill, a residence for out-of-area families to stay when accompanying a family member for treatment at UNC Hospital. Each year we will choose another charity we know nothing about"
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Jean Gordon Carter Gave for Warmth in the Cold
"I am sending $20 to warmth for wake. I hadn't figured out what i wanted to do and looking at the snow today it just made sense. Hope you all have a great holiday."
Laxmi Haynes, Student Action with Farm Workers Program Director Gave to Toxic Free NC
"I gave the funds to Toxic Free NC, a great non-profit working to get rid of pesticide pollution in our water, food and our bodies."
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Marna Doucette and Steve Quessy Found a Way to "do good twice"
"We used the $10 seed money from TCF and our matching gift to purchase fresh produce at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market and then contribute the produce to the Market’s Farmer FoodShare Fresh Food for the Holidays food drive. Produce donated to the FoodShare program by Farmers’ Market patrons and farmers is distributed to the hungry via the InterFaith Council for Social Services and the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and also delivered directly to the Maley Estates senior center and St. Joseph’s Bread Ministries. It’s a wonderful opportunity to “do good” twice – by providing fresh produce to the hungry and supporting our local farmers in the process."
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Alice Lutz, CEO of Triangle Family Services Gave to the Beehive Collection
"Working in and with a new organization affords a unique perspective on the many and varied needs not only within our agency but within our community. Triangle Family services is a 72 year old agency that provides a comprehensive set of programs for individuals and families including financial security; family safety and providing for mental health needs. While I financially support our organization the intent as I understand of the $10.00 match to support a new organization. My contribution/match went to pollinate philanthropy and embrace your true spirit of the gift by supporting The Beehive Collection. This is a unique giving initiative that not only supports agency programs in our community but mentors young professionals (primarily woman) in embracing Philanthropy- a win win for all. Thank you for this unique gift of encouragement to share."
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Barbara Leedy Turned $10 into $40 and Gave to an At-Risk High School Class
"Thanks so much for the great idea of matching fund donations to a local cause. I highly recommend www.donorschoose.com where teachers post request for funding for school projects. You can select projects by county which allows you to target your funding. Best part of using donors choose is that many of the teacher requests have matching dollars from the Gates or Burroughs Welcome Fund. Chuck and I took a few envelopes and we matched the funds and then those funds were matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation so every $10 donation by TCF became a $40 donation to a school project! We chose to fund a request by a science teacher at an at risk HS for 4 different science games for her Earth Science Class. Thanks to the matching funds, we were able to fund the entire request! Great idea."
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Robin Barefoot, Gift Planning Adviser at Triangle Community Foundation Gave Toys to Children in Need
"I more than matched my $10 received at the Holiday Party & purchased two baby dolls, two puzzles, a set of ‘cars’ and a Black & Decker ‘tool’ kit and delivered these to an open house benefiting Capital City Clauses – a Raleigh-based 501c3 founded in 1994 which supports The Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program. Thanks for making the holiday season brighter for Triangle children!"
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Brian O. Beverly Gave to the Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
"I matched the $10 and gave the money to Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina. Beta Phi Chapter spearheads a number of social action initiatives in the Durham community, including adopting families for Christmas through Durham Social Services. The money will go to purchase gifts for the adopted families this year."
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Laura Treat Harvey Director of Development at The Emily Krzyzewski Center Gave 32 Pounds of Food
"The evening after the TCF party at Marbles, I was agonizing about how to best use the $10 -- for example, should I get lots of other friends to match it with me and create a much larger circle of givers with a bigger impact? The plan sounded good, but I realized my regular job as a fundraiser would not allow me to put in the time to follow up with another project, so I decided to keep it simple. Since the TCF party itself was a contribution point for the Food Bank, I decided I'd put the TCF's and my $10 together and buy food for the Food Bank in Durham. I sent my best bargain shopper (that is, my partner, Regina, who truly knows how to stretch a dollar!) out to Aldi's in Raleigh where you can buy a lot of food for $20. She came back with 32 pounds of items that are on the Food Bank's "needed items" list. We delivered it on Friday 12/11.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to give to a worthy cause. On days when I eat a bit too much in celebrating the holidays I am certainly aware of the blessings I've been given. And the times I feel hunger pangs I count my blessings that I have the resources to fulfill my needs. Your gift to us was more than just the $10 bill -- it created a powerful impetus to get out and DO something!"
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Tucker Andrews Gave to a Family in Need
"Wes
and I took $10 from your recent fundraiser in order to give back into the
community.
We heard about a family living here
in Raleigh whose
home had caught fire and they lost everything. All their family was living with
them and although they are thankful that no one was injured, they didn't have
anywhere to go. The
neighborhood banded together to raise funds for food and clothes for this family
in need.
We thought of them struggling
through the holidays without anything and decided this was an excellent way to
give back to a deserving family in need. Therefore, we were able to donate
your $10 plus our matching $10 to the neighborhood drive and it was used along
with the other raised funds to buy coats and food and even toys for
Christmas."
Alicia Altmueller Associate Director of The Center for Integrating Research and Action Helped Out, "a little bit more"
"The $10 challenge came at a perfect time in my household. Even though my family had given our planned holiday donations, this allowed us to help out just a little bit more. Combining the $10 with some more money of our own, we were able to purchase additional canned goods for a food drive at our local school for families who might otherwise not have enough food through the holidays. In addition, we were able to respond to a request by a local nonprofit. My daughters and I cooked two casseroles that will be used to help feed those in need over the holidays."
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John used his $10 to Augment his Annual Gift!
"Just a quick note about how I used the TGB holiday challenge: I matched the TGB funds with $10 and used the extra funds to augment my annual gift to a human services organization that provides employment services to low-income adults."
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Maurice Gave his 10$ to Help Combat Homelessness
"While the Triangle works toward ending homelessness several congregations are making their space available to those who need a warm place to sleep. This gift will help! Thank You!"
Pela Gereffi Gave Back Times Ten!
I got a $10.00 dollar bill that at least I had to match. I decided to send your $10.00 as a charitable non-tax contribution plus a check for $100.00 to the Achievement Academy in Durham. It is really impressive the work they are doing. You can go to their web-site; www.achivedurham.org . They are located at: 400 W. Main Street, Durham, 27701 By helping these students now "we all win" in the future.
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Betsy MacMichael State Director of First in Families of NC Gave Back to The Reality Center
"Your idea was intriguing.. We matched your money with a donation to The Reality Center, a nonprofit that works with marginalized youth in Durham, including people with disabilities as well as youth “on the edge” due to income level and/or difficult life experience. They have been a wonderful resource for our own daughter Janie, offering after school recreation, tutoring, Tuesday Night Live activities, yoga class, Girls Time, and so on."
Stuart Smith Challenged his Office to Give Back to a Family in Need
"That was a great idea with the match it/give it envelopes. A group of us at my office adopt numerous needy families each Christmas to make sure that they have clothing, essentials and a few gifts for the kids. Your $10 and my $20 went to increase the funds that we had to meet the families' needs. Thanks for the boost"
Ann Bess Gave Back to The Benevolence Farm in Carborro
Thank you for a wonderful idea at your Holiday Party. Encouraging us to match and donate to someone or to an unfamiliar organization was inspired! I donated $30 to Benevolence Farm based in Carrboro. Their mission is as follows: The mission of Benevolence Farm is to provide opportunities for women leaving prison to live and work on an organic farm, thereby fostering improved life skills, knowledge of entrepreneurship, and enhanced community participation.
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Debbie McCarthy: Executive Director of The Augustine Project: Gave in a New Way to an Old Student
"The $10 envelopes were a WONDERFUL idea. On the way home, my husband David and I decided we would send our donations to the Durham Rescue Mission. Then lo and behold, the very next day the phone rang. It was Tyrell, the Augustine student I tutored for almost 4 years. He was a repeating 4rd grader at Ephesus Elementary in Chapel Hill when I met him in 2001, a total non-reader who had attended 5 different schools. He is now a senior at Southern High in Durham, and he can read. We have stayed in touch over time... going out to eat or to a movie every now and then. Life for Tyrell and his five siblings has always been rough. He is the oldest child and the most responsible person in the household. Mom has a drug problem; Dad was in jail and is now deceased. They are evicted regularly because Mom doesn't pay the rent. That is what prompted the latest call. The family had been sleeping with friends or relatives and at the moment they are living in a hotel on Guess Rd. Through the years, they've also been in and out of shelters in Orange and Durham County and sometimes go to New York to stay with family there. So, even though the rules say give the money to someone you don't know, I'm sending our TCF cash (and more) to Tyrell. I plan to include a note asking him to let me know one small gift he and each of his siblings and his mom would like for Christmas and will add them to our shopping list. At least each of them will have one wrapped present to open."
