Celebrating Causes We Love on #GivingTuesday
This Giving Tuesday, our team wanted to take a moment to share some of the organizations and nonprofits that are near and dear to our hearts. While a couple are clients, many are those who have touched our own lives or that of our families.
It’s no secret that 2020 was extremely disruptive for nonprofits and small businesses alike. The impact has rippled through to families and those working for local restaurants, local shops and of course, impacting our front-line workers. The effects can still be felt today.
While the organizations listed below can all benefit from a financial donation in any amount, we believe in the power of sharing the stories with others, too. If you’re moved to donate, we thank you. If you’re unable to donate, we still thank you!
Click the nonprofit below to learn more.
The Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre is a professional equity theatre, located right here in West Michigan, near Kalamazoo. Every year (except 2020), they host apprentice actors who are working to earn their membership into the Equity Actors Association. The Barn has been home to many famous Barnies over the years, including Lauren Graham, Jennifer Garner, Tom Wolpat and many, many more. They kicked off their 75th Season in 2021.
Due to COVID, they have not been able to hold any of their regular season shows. The lack of the season has been devastating to their operations budget. Donations go to their operational costs, which include the facility, but also the licensing and many other elements that go into a Broadway Production.
$25,000 Matching Gift!
Thanks to a generous Barn Theatre supporter, all gifts received will be matched, up to $25,000. Whether you give $5, $50, or $500 – it will be matched to do even more good for the Barn.
FSA Counseling Center
Mental Health awareness and support has become an even more important service in communities everywhere this year. You’ve likely heard the stories of increased mental health issues, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence and depression, all brought on by COVID. FSA Counseling Center provides affordable mental health care services.
They provide a sliding scale fee structure that ensures everyone in their community has access to valuable mental health services, education, and training.
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation
The mission of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. If you know someone who suffers from Crohn’s or Colitis, (or have even just seen some of the commercials) you know what an unpredictable disease this is – impacting people every moment of every day.
One of our team members has a few family members who suffer from this disease. From medications, clinical trials, knowing where the best restrooms are to resections of their intestines, this is one of those “invisible” but awful diseases.
When supporting this foundation, you’re helping continue critical basic and clinical research of the highest quality. Plus, they provide many educational programs for patients and healthcare professionals, while providing supportive services to help people cope with these chronic intestinal diseases.
$75,000 Match.
Yes, like other nonprofits, they too have a donation match, up to $75,000. Every single dollar matters and you can even double it with this match!
Ronald McDonald's House of West Michigan
The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) is a non-profit, donor- and volunteer-supported organization. Thanks to financial contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, significant volunteer help, and wish list fulfillment, the RMHWM is able to keep families close in the midst of challenging medical and mental health circumstances.
They provide an incredible service and sense of hope as a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families traveling to Grand Rapids for critical medical and mental health treatment for their children.
$75,000 Match
And, thanks to the Peter and Emajean Cook Foundation, on December 1st, any donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan will go twice as far, as they will be matching every dollar, up to $75,000.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. As a team, we understand the important role that mental health professionals play in our everyday lives. It must be accessible to everyone who needs it.
NAMI is an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates who work in your community to raise awareness and provide support and education that was not previously available to those in need.
$30,000 Match
Like many organizations, NAMI also has an incredible match opportunity. Give now and your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $30,000—so the impact of your gift will be DOUBLED. Your support will help NAMI connect people with support services, advocate for equal mental health care coverage and ensure that people with mental illness know they are not alone.
Lupus Foundation of America
One of our employee’s sisters has Lupus and had struggled for years to stay healthy. While she has had incredible support from the Lupus Foundation and her medical team, she’s been able to maintain a fairly normal lifestyle, avoiding what was once monthly stays in the hospital.
The Lupus Foundation is devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable, and devastating diseases while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact.