Give Where You Live Hits Goal!
By Nancy Bowman
Contributing Writer
TIPP CITY —
The miniature cupcakes greeting those attending the Miami County Give Where You Live gathering were more than a treat for participants.
They represented a celebration of a milestone for the young organization — reaching, and exceeding, an initial goal of 100 members.
Those 100 members meant at least $10,000 would be raised for a local nonprofit before the 40-minute meeting ended.
The organization formed late last year provides a chance for those who want to be involved in philanthropy to do so with a $100 commitment each quarter.
“The response from the residents of Miami County has been overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the people who visit as a guest to one of our meetings decide to sign up by the end of the evening to become a member of our group,” said Matt Buehrer of the Miami County Give Where You Live team.
The effort is based on the giving circles concept through which individuals wanting to help come together to make a larger impact on a selected nonprofit.
During each meeting, members are invited to put their name in the hat (actually a bowl at the May meeting) for a drawing in which three members will be selected to make a five-minute presentation on a charity. The organizations proposed for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
The group can ask questions after presentations before a vote is held. Each member writes a personal check for $100 to the charity receiving the most votes.
At subsequent meetings, the recipient charity of the previous quarter provides information on how the money donated was or is being used.
Members do not have to make presentations on a charity. They can come, listen, vote and write their check. More members are being accepted.
At the May 12 meeting at Tipp City’s Zion Lutheran Church, organizations making presentation were the Tipp City Area Arts Council, Reading for a Change and Dream 4 Pets Miami County.
For more information, visit the organization’s website atwww.givewhereyoulive.wix.com/miamicounty. Calls also can be made to 937-634-6696, and emails can be sent to givewhereyoulive.mc@gmail.com.
