We all get a good feeling when we show up for others – whether it’s a family member, neighbor, or community organization. Giving is supposed to feel good — and who couldn’t use more of that? Today and tomorrow before midnight, you can visit GiveBIGWa.org to discover and donate to nonprofits that are making good things happen in Thurston County and around our state.
GiveBIG is an annual online fundraising event for more than 1600 nonprofits serving Washington, 70 of which reside here in Thurston County. You can discover nonprofits by searching for the name, mission, population focus, or community they serve, such as Thurston County.
The nonprofits in our community provide critical programs and services such as:
In addition, many of the things we all love about our area depend on nonprofits. They enhance our lives with music, dance, and theatre. They care for parks and public spaces and safeguard the health of our waters and fisheries. They provide services essential to the lives of people with disabilities and those dealing with mental or physical health challenges. According to Nancy Long, Executive Director of 501 Commons, which coordinates Give Big Washington, the campaign raised $16.4 million in 2022 for over1400+ nonprofits. “We would love to raise more than $17 million this year”, says Long. “In addition to donating to nonprofits profiled on the website, you can also make good things for our community by
“The pandemic negatively impacted the ability of nonprofits to fundraise, and the workforce shortage is impacting their ability to maintain services. At the same time, the need, and the cost of providing services have dramatically increased, says Long. Every donation – no matter the size – counts. By giving together, we give big”!
This Saturday, you can fight cancer in pets as well as people by participating in the Paws 4 A Cause walk with your animal friend at Heritage Park at Capitol Lake. (Rugby Roo, Truly Scrumptious, and Callie will be there sniffing butts and dragging us around the lake!) The Harlan’s Homes 4 Hope Relay For Life Team coordinates this annual event and all proceeds benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACF is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding comparative oncology research and by uniting pet and human research for a cure. The mission of ACS is to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACS funds critical cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient and family services. Over the past 14 years, the Harlan’s Homes team has raised over $216,000 to help eliminate cancer according to them, this makes them one of the top fundraising teams in Thurston County. This year, their Event Advisor is Lisa Parshley, owner of Olympia Veterinary Specialists and they are hoping to beat their fundraising record from last year by raising $15,000! If you are interested in supporting the event go to Volunteer Sign-Up or Join Our Team!
This Sunday, May 7th will be the 2023 Thurston's Hunger Walk. The weather recently has been perfect for walking on a lovely, paved loop at Huntamer Park or walking in solidarity elsewhere if you can't make it Sunday. This is an opportunity to get some exercise as well as donate to help feed thousands of your neighbors who are experiencing hunger. Don’t want to walk alone? Yes, you can bring a leashed bark to the park this year. 100% of your donations benefit Thurston County Food Bank and The Community Kitchen, two hard-working local agencies that get groceries to or serve meals to those in need! As a result of your efforts, hungry neighbors will be served warm meals in encampments, at shelters, and in other locations. Others facing hunger will pick up food supplies at the food bank's two main pantries or its satellites. Donations have already surpassed $27,000 but the goal is $50,000. For more information on how to participate or donate, click here.
Soliciting your ideas
If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits!
Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com
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