2017 Great Give Palm Beach & Martin Counties is almost here!
Just two days till the start of the 2017 Great Give Palm Beach & Martin Counties: a 24-hour barrage of online philanthropy organized by United Way of Palm Beach County, Achieve, Nonprofits First and United Way of Martin County and benefiting more than 400 participating local charitable organizations and nonprofits.
Originally conceived in 2014, the first three Great Gives raised more than $8 million — including some $3 million last year. And the event keeps growing.
I n a ddi t i on t o t he f unds rai sed, bonus pool dollars and day-of-event prizes, participating nonprofits will also benefit from the generosity of local businesses that have supported the event by offering special promotions, in-store incentives, happy hours and more — including another new component: the Great Give CityPlace Takeover.
On Wednesday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Great Give hosts and nonprofits will literally overrun CityPlace. The plaza and surrounding areas will be filled with arts and crafts, animals for adoption, dancers, performers, live music, information and, most importantly, easy ways to give to the nonprofit(s) of your choice.
And of course, it’s those nonprofits that the Great Give cares about most. Let’s look at a few great examples of just how much difference those donated dollars can make.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) is dedicated to improving birth outcomes and promoting healthy families in Palm Beach County by providing access to care, education and support to those facing the physical, emotional, economic and social challenges of pregnancy and infant care. HMHB annually provides direct service touch points to nearly 65 percent of women delivering babies in our community.
In addition to the screening, assessment, navigation, educ ation and linkage serv i c e s i t of f e r s t o pre g nant women, HMHB’s Basics4Babies Emergency Pantry for Infants has been a part of the organization’s foundation since its inception, serving nearly 3,500 children annually. For more than 30 years, the organization has offered free diapers and wipes to families in need with 100 percent of diaper inventory donated through local organizations and corporate groups.
Mothers who are unable (or choose not) to breastfeed rely on formula to feed their infants. However, most food banks are only able to offer fresh produce and non-perishables, leaving a gap in services for food-insecure families.
With funds raised through the Great Give, HMHB has been able to expand its pantry inventory to now include formula and baby food on an emergency basis for infants up to 1 year old. Any family who resides in Palm Beach County and is in need of basic essentials for infants may have access to the pantry at the group’s locations in West Palm Beach, Greenacres and Belle Glade.
Digital Vibez
Great Give has been one of the most impactful sources of funds for Digital Vibez — a local startup that uses a combination of technology arts enrichment programs with dancing, music and disco lights to encourage physical movement.
Every Digital Vibez program promotes dynamic physical If you want to make a donation to a participating organization — the list of which you can find at greatgiveflorida.org — all you need is a valid credit card. You can make your donation either at the website or by calling 844-GIVE-DAY(844-4483329). The minimum gift is $20 and all donations are tax-deductible.
In today’s often-sedentary world, Digital Vibez is pro - viding an invaluable service: creating a support network that does everything possible to enable children of all socio-economic backgrounds to attain and maintain something that’s been deemphasized in today’s education system: physical fitness.
Palm Beach Habilitation Center
Palm Beach Habilitation Center assists adults with disabilities achieve their greatest level of independence through skills training for work and life — and would like to introduce you to one of its many cherished clients: Nathan.
With great pride and a big smile, Nathan will tell you, “I really enjoy going to work every day!”
Nathan receives ser vices under the Center’s Supported Employment Program. Nathan started in the Job Training Program, where he received a job assessment and work related goals. “It wasn’t easy for him a s he had re c e nt ly moved from Buffalo to Boca Raton,” explains Kim, Nathan’s mother. “Nathan doesn’t like change, but he has thrived after the move thanks to his job coach, Terry, and the Center’s job activities for children and their placement programs.” families through a diverse genre Nathan expressed a desire to of dance, music, technology work in janitorial services and and health/fitness tips. Digireceived training at the Cental Vibez also creates a socially ter for three months until he safe environment for its particwas ready for job placement. ipants through group games, His mother noted, “Nathan’s and team-building exercises. progress has been amazing
Two of Digital Vibez’s most and I was thrilled when Nathan popular programs — Fitness found employment at the new Jams and Fitness Fiestas — are Hyatt Place Boca Raton.” fun, energetic ways to “trick” Nathan works in the hotel’s parents and children into getHousekeeping Department and ting exerc i se without even comes to work every day with realizing it — mainly because a stellar attitude. “It has been they’re having so much fun a great pleasure working with dancing, jumping and moving! Nathan,” said David Cuadra,
In addition, this innovative General Manager of Hyatt Place startup is always on the search Boca Raton. “Nathan joined our for corporate partnerships to team in November 2016 and has help families/communities who been a true inspiration every are unable to enroll their childay. Everyone here loves him. dren into activities that promote He has a great work ethic and health, wellness and fitness. always does a wonderful job.”