Giving Tuesday!

Reach out and touch

I love the idea of Giving Tuesday and already this morning I’ve received several emails from organizations and individuals reaching out and asking for support. Some have asked for financial support and others include other ideas for support.

During Thanksgiving break my family had a chance to celebrate an 87 year old aunt who passed away. At the funeral the family displayed pictures and items that represented Aunt Mart and stories were shared about her life from when she was very young and up until recently. She was one of those people who lended a helping hand throughout her life. Just after high school she worked in a sewing factory and later on delivered mail on a rural route. Her sewing skills were put to good use over the years. In fact, Aunt Mart and my mother in law sewed my wedding dress. She never married or had children of her own but she was there for her nephews and nieces and supported their parents in multiple ways. She was a quiet giver, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Most of the family was there to help clean out her home and one thing became very clear. She was an incredible giver! She didn’t just give on Giving Tuesday but all year round. She made financial donations to organizations that supported animals, the environment, and education. She was a knitter and a crocheter and created many afghans that were donated to organizations who needed them. In the last year she made one for everyone in the family. And, she loved watching the birds and fed them daily; another way that Aunt Mart gave to the world.

I was so grateful to be with family to celebrate, not only Thanksgiving, but Aunt Mart’s life. The experience gave me the chance to pause and consider my own giving. And, to think about what Aunt Mart’s giving life means to me. With Giving Tuesday upon us, I just want you to know that I appreciate what you give each day to young people through visual and performing arts education. The gift that you offer has the potential to impact them the rest of their lives. I hope that you have a chance to pause today and think about your giving.