What is Giving Tuesday?
Have you ever heard of Giving Tuesday? Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good and share their generosity throughout their communities. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
For nonprofits, the purpose of Giving Tuesday is to raise money for their specific mission. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is the chosen day every year across the globe. Since it started in 2012, it has become one of the biggest fundraising days of the year for nonprofits in the U.S. This year, we will be honoring Giving Tuesday on December 3rd.
Giving Tuesday may have its roots in America, but it’s a global phenomenon. Ninety countries have their own Giving Tuesday, and 2023 saw over 300 individual communities hold national Giving Tuesday movements. That means that thousands of organizations all over the world are inspiring generosity in their communities on Giving Tuesday.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation (OMCF) has participated in Giving Tuesday for quite some time and this year is no exception. Funds raised from previous Giving Tuesday campaigns have supported various programs and initiatives, including enriching lives, greatest need, Cara’s Kennel, benevolent fund, and Connecting Realities.
In 2022, the OMCF Giving Tuesday campaign focused support on Cara’s Kennel. The funds raised helped to expand the compassionate care animatronic friends used in our memory support neighborhoods, as well as other community members and those assisted by The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. Residents or community members in need were paired with a robotic cat, dog, or bird that was theirs to keep and name – just like adopting a pet. The animals provide residents a sense of comfort and purpose, and can reduce their feelings of stress and anxiety.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation Giving Tuesday campaign in 2023 was more general, but still focused on enriching lives. One way this is done is by supporting our campus veterans with annual Dream Flights. It also supported the Connecting Realities programming available in the memory support neighborhoods at our campuses, with new additions like the Lucynt tables.
Support for Music Therapy
For Giving Tuesday 2024, OMCF is focusing on Meeting in the Music, our music therapy program. Currently, a board-certified music therapist offers individual and group music therapy sessions at all three campuses, specifically focusing on working with residents in memory support neighborhoods. Two of the campuses also offer Silver Songbirds, a choir for residents with dementia. With your help this Giving Tuesday, music therapy can be expanded to benefit more residents by purchasing additional instruments and equipment.
Music therapy, especially for those with dementia, has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and foster a positive sense of connection. By supporting The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation this Giving Tuesday, you can help residents feel more connected and at peace. Your support helps make the expansion of Meeting in the Music possible.
Learn more about our 2024 Giving Tuesday and make your donation today!
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