All I want for Christmas is…
This past year I have had the privilege to work at a wonderful organization, Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP).
It has been an amazing year! The other day Celia (mi amor) said to me, “Wow, you must really like this job because I have never seen you work so hard.” It’s true. I do like the job. I like the people I work with and I am truly moved by all we have accomplished in this last year and how many individual lives we have touched.
From funding small grassroots organizations that work with the Latino aging community, LGBTQ population, to education related programs that help keep kids in school and get in to college, to Latino men and boys, health, art, and culture it has been a busy year! This summer we also had quick response to the unaccompanied minor crisis by launching an emergency crowdfunding campaign (that so many of you helped to support – Thank You!) In addition, working with our partners in philanthropy we created a pool of funds that is providing legal and humanitarian relief to those children.
We sponsored webinars, regional, national and international conferences and briefings, and provided research, publications and professional development programs.
We also launched a startup this year! Have you heard of HIPGive.org – the crowdfunding site for Latino serving grassroots organizations? Our crowdfunding site just launched in April 2014 and 37 organizations have already raised a combined total of $240,000! Again Thank You to all of you who helped support HIPGive.org and who put up with my many, many asks. When I look at the list of donors and see names I recognize, it warms my heart.
Besides all that (and so much more I did not mention) we published a magazine in partnership with Hispanic Executive that highlighted stories of Latinos as Givers and our magazine was nominated for a FOLIO award! We released the magazine at our BIG 30th Anniversary Gala that sold out so fast we had to close down registration more than a month before the event! Don’t miss out on this year’s HIPPEST event in philanthropy!
Okay, I am done bragging. It has been a whirlwind of year. We have accomplished a lot but there is still so much to do!
This Christmas the only gift I am asking for is a donation to this wonderful organization that does so much! Please consider making a donation. It is a gift that keeps on giving!
Thank you!
Happy Holidays!
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Yalda!
Happy Festivus!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Kwanzaa!
Happy New Year!
And Thank You to Janis Mara from the MarinIJ for printing my idea in this article!