On Tuesday December 2nd, the Shasta Regional Community Foundation celebrated an international day of giving by participating in Giving Tuesday; an annual event created for the purpose of engaging individuals, organizations and businesses to collectively participate in a day for giving back to their communities. “As we enter this holiday season and enjoy two days for getting deals, we also want to highlight one day for giving back,” said Kerry Caranci, Shasta Regional Community Foundation CEO.
In honor of Giving Tuesday, the Community Foundation partnered with event sponsor Redding Bank of Commerce and other local businesses in Casual for a Cause. By joining the Community Foundation’s event, businesses allowed their employees to wear jeans to work for a $5 donation to the Stewardship Endowment Fund. Many businesses also chose to match their employees’ donations. Participation in the Casual for a Cause event grew from 16 businesses in 2013 to over 40 businesses in 2014. Participating businesses received posters and buttons to show their support of Giving Tuesday.
The highlight of the Community Foundation’s Giving Tuesday event was the awarding of six $7,500 grants to Shasta and Siskiyou County nonprofits to provide funding to enhance the quality programs they currently provide. Each nonprofit was asked to submit a video describing what they could do with an additional $2,500. Videos were posted on the Community Foundation’s website and the public voted for their favorite nonprofit. “We were really impressed by the videos submitted and the response that resulted.” said Caranci, “We are proud to partner with all of these organizations.”
In Shasta County, Alyssa Araiza’s Wings of Angels received the most votes and in Siskiyou County, Siskiyou Land Trust was the winner. Each of these organizations was awarded an additional $2,500 for a total of $10,000 for their project or program.
The Community Foundation is appreciative of so many local businesses taking the time to help promote local philanthropy. We are hopeful that the Stewardship Endowment Fund will continue to grow and enable us to be responsive to emerging needs and opportunities. For information about the Stewardship Endowment Fund and other funds and programs of the Community Foundation, please visit our website at www.shastarcf.org.
-from press release
