Philanthropy

For anyone, but for the Holberts in particular, it’s got to seem like they’re a long way from Cleveland TV reporter and personality to Woodmere village mayor, from busy IT consultant and volunteer to a homebound community activist. Throw in a pandemic, and the distance is more like a chasm. They’re up to the challenge: outgoing, engaged, and philosophical about the future, they practice social distancing but it’s not an easy fit. They prefer to be with people, not sitting six feet apart from them. ...

From love letters that combat loneliness to farmers markets, Operation Cheer, virtual vacations and Impact Awards, read what's Worth Noting! ...

Gervasi Vineyard has converted its distillery from manufacturing spirits to manufacturing hand sanitizer. The first batch yielded over 3,000 bottles of 18oz. liquid hand sanitizer and was hand-labeled and bottled by members of the Swaldo family (owners of GV Destinations) and their friends. Earmarked to be donated to the local community, many have already been distributed to hospitals and frontline defenders. ...

What's your plan? Wait. You mean you don't have one? We can help. Read about ways to give your game plan some game. Our writer walks you through ways to shake it up a bit this year with a few simple steps. ...

By Traci McBride

Everything in life comes with its own inventory of pros and cons, especially how you decide to spend your time and efforts in volunteerism. Creating your own list of positives and negatives is good advice before starting any long- or short-term commitments.  

Strike up a conversation with someone who volunteers on a regular basis and ask about their experience. It can give you a good perspective and direction on organizations that match your belief system and interests. Your time is priceless; giving it with joy is selfless and satisfying.

 

Let’s Start with the Cons of Volunteering

Time commitment

Costs of travel/food

Unappreciative recipients of your efforts

Personality conflicts

Personal energy expenditure

Potential of choosing the wrong organization

Emotional drain when engaging with those in difficult life situations

 

And Now the Pros…

Staying active & engaged extends to graceful aging

Influencing another human being can be life-saving

Practicing or elevating your skill set

Mastering time management

Experiencing an organization from the inside

Socializing while creating new friendships with like-minded people

Increasing self-esteem & confidence

Creating the ripple effect in your community & in other people

Inspiring friends and family to get involved

Rewarding effect of aligning with a non-profit that touches you on a personal level

Spearheading ideas inside the organization                     

Source: CharityNavigator.org 

 

Traci McBride of TeeMcBee.com has passionately been a volunteer with Dress for Success – Cleveland since 2008.

 

Our Volunteer Salute

Meet NEO’s Givers

What better way to kick off the season of giving than recognizing some of our region’s most impressive volunteers? No other age group gives as much of its time, talent and energy as Boomers. We want to introduce you to a few outstanding givers recognized by our readers and provided by Greater Cleveland Volunteers (greaterclevelandvolunteers.org). 

 

Meet: Gail Tichy 

Where: Cleveland Metroparks

A retired federal worker, Tichy inherited a love of gardening from her grandmother.

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It’s important for the kids to realize that there are others that do not have the privileges and all the material things that they take for granted. Children need to learn to appreciate the things they have and to develop empathy for others. Developing the habit of giving can be a terrific trait to pass to your grandchildren. ...

The Crocker Park Wine Festival will be in full swing this weekend, so come on out and allow us to pour you a glass in support of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the leading pediatric facility in Northeast Ohio.

The wine festival is sponsored by Market District and will showcase over 150 wines from local, national and international producers and more than 30 select craft beers and a variety of spirits. Guests will enjoy live music, food, exhibitors, and various activities throughout the weekend. Be sure to stop by the NEO Parent and Boomer tent at 4-10 p.m. on Friday or 2-10 p.m. Saturday.

Festival tickets are $30 through September 12 and $35 at the door for 10 tastings and a souvenir wine glass. Additional taste tickets are $1 each and available on site only. Full pour beer and wine options range from $4 to $6. Weekend passes are also available for $40 prior to July 31, $50 August 1 – September 12 and are $60 at the door.

 

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