Dear Friends,
At Sanford-Burnham, we know so well that philanthropy has the power to transform lives, raise hopes, and change the world. That’s why it gives me great pleasure, on behalf of everyone at the Institute, to issue this public endorsement of #GivingTuesday, a new holiday tradition that has opened a national dialogue about the importance of charitable giving.
When it was launched in 2012, #GivingTuesday had two goals: raise year-end contributions to nonprofits and raise awareness of the impact of such generosity. After the first #GivingTuesday observance on November 27, 2012, both goals had been met and surpassed. Online donations on that single day exceeded $10 million, a 53-percent increase from gifts received the Tuesday after Thanksgiving 2011, according to a statement released by the United Nations Foundation.
If #GivingTuesday only increased charitable donations, it would be tremendously valuable. But its impact has been so much greater. #GivingTuesday is moving us beyond the shopping mindset of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and into a new paradigm of holiday giving. And, through its strategic deployment of social media, it is expanding the culture of philanthropy to reach a new generation of givers.
This year’s December 3 observance of #GivingTuesday promises to be bigger and more exciting than the inaugural event. Sanford-Burnham is joining 5,500 partner organizations to promote this movement. Prominent endorsements have come from the White House, governors and mayors, CEOs, and philanthropic leaders like Bill Gates.
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season to reflect on the blessings in your own life, plan on ways you can elevate the lives of others through participation in #GivingTuesday. One way is to donate to the exciting medical research taking place at Sanford-Burnham. Your support will help our scientists generate discoveries that translate into clinical breakthroughs. The return on your investment in the Institute today will be new cures for disease and new hope for patients far into the future.
I hope you will join the conversation and endorse #GivingTuesday as well. Post your reason for giving below, on Facebook or Twitter (don’t forget to use the hashtag “#GivingTuesday.”) In addition, please share your thoughts on the importance of philanthropy in the comments below or on our Facebook page and Twitter. We also look forward to learning what you are thankful for this year and what motivates you to participate in #GivingTuesday.
I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays!
Best,
Kristiina Vuori