My Giving Circle

 

I came across an article one day at work about a group of women who took turns hosting a dinner party at their homes, with the goals of spending consistent together-time and raising money for charity.  They called their group a Giving Circle.  It was one of many springing up all over the country.  I immediately thought: dinner + friends + charity = right up my alley!  After all, I had always found planning and executing dinner parties to be stressful but enjoyable and incredibly fulfilling.  I love researching recipes and creating a menu, coming up with elaborate desserts to bake and then wishing I hadn’t had such grand ambitions, seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces when they eat something I have prepared (when it is good, that is).  I especially enjoy cooking for and sharing meals with the important people in my life.  Breaking bread with the ones you love is a wonderful pastime—one not enjoyed as often as it should be in these hectic times. 

 

I printed the article and ran upstairs to my friend Nancy’s desk (she is a fabulous baker and cook and I knew she would love this concept).  Ironically, Nancy had been tossing around a similar idea.  We began planning the details of our circle.  The result:  five women (a sixth joined later) who worked together would unite monthly to share a meal and donate $20 each to charity.  How simple yet meaningful.

 

Combine a dash of dinner party with a pinch of philanthropy and you have the ingredients for a growing trend in charitable giving.  Our Giving Circle has been in existence for over 3 years.  To date we have collected almost $3,000 for charity.  By consensus, we donate to causes near and dear to our hearts.  We take pride in deciding how our money will be spent, and enjoy taking a hands-on approach to our charitable giving.  Equally important, our bonds of friendship become stronger and stronger with each dinner.

 

Food, friends and giving back—it doesn’t get better than that.

 

For more information about Giving Circles or to start your own group, visit www.givingcircles.org. 

Explore posts in the same categories: Joy, Love

Tags: charitable giving, donating to charity, giving circle

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