Giving and Gratitude

Last Wednesday was the biggest travel day of the year, and perhaps this Saturday, this column will be the least read of the year, but in the spirit of the season, which has clearly arrived, let’s give our thanks. First of all, I am grateful that I don’t shop on Black Friday.  If you did, then perhaps as you’re reading this, you are in recovery.  I’m grateful for friends, and particularly for one that sent a note to me this morning with this statement, which resonated with me.

“When we view our lives through the lens of gratitude and appreciation, we experience a level of freedom and fulfillment like never before.”

I agree wholeheartedly.  It is all about attitude.  And this time of year we are drawn, thankfully, to look around and appreciate what we have, and have been given. We think about how to express ourselves and our gratefulness.  Perhaps the most meaningful way is to help others by giving.  I think the opposite of Black Friday, in a good way, is Giving Tuesday.  This day which has become a tradition is about giving to help others.  Giving Tuesday is November 27, and our Communications Director, Margaret Stewart, who I am grateful for every day, has put together some ideas worth exploring.  Please check it out.  https://nevadafund.org/5-ways-you-can-help-this-thanksgiving/ And if you are thinking about the thousands of victims of the Camp Fire and considering helping with their recovery, please check out our recommendations which have been put together by Lauren Renda, Program Officer.  You can find ways to directly help through this link.  https://nevadafund.org/how-you-can-help-survivors-camp-fire-paradise-california/ Black Friday and Giving Tuesday.  There is no comparison.  Please help as your spirit moves you. Chris Askin, President, and CEO 775-333-5499 Connecting people who care with causes that matter