What is Giving Tuesday?
Have you ever heard of Giving Tuesday? In 2012, Giving Tuesday was created 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. Join the Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation during Giving Tuesday: Support Music Therapy!
For nonprofits, the purpose of Giving Tuesday is to raise money for their specific mission. Every year, Giving Tuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving 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. We will be honoring Giving Tuesday on December 3rd this year.
Giving Tuesday may have 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 movements. Thousands of organizations across the world are inspiring generosity in their communities through Giving Tuesday.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation (OMCF) has participated in Giving Tuesday for quite sometime. Funds raised from our 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 on Cara’s Kennel. The funds raised helped to expand the compassionate care animatronic friends used in our memory support neighborhoods and community members 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 focused on enriching lives. One example is 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. We currently have a board-certified music therapist who offers individual and group music therapy sessions. At all three campuses, our music therapist focuses on working with residents in memory support neighborhoods. Two of our campuses offer Silver Songbirds, a choir for residents with dementia. Our music therapy can expand 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 on Giving Tuesday, you can help residents feel more connected and at peace.
Learn more about our 2024 Giving Tuesday: Support Music Therapy and make your donation today!
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