New beginnings. I love them. Here we are at the beginning of another fresh year full of opportunities to make a difference, and in the case of Marin Charitable, to specifically make a difference in the lives of at-risk kids in Marin.
That freshness is why I get tingly when I think about the theme for this year’s Spring Fling, Sowing the Seeds. We’ve been around for more than 60 years, and yet there’s still a freshness to each year as we eagerly look forward to our favorite events and new ways to generate the most funds possible. Similar to a cycle of planting, we are following our mission of creating richer and more fertile experiences for youth who need it in our communities. We’re helping them grow into the most vibrant adults possible, and it feels amazing.
We closed out 2022 stronger than we expected, and I’d like to add, are starting the year equally as strong. On the heels of our next Grants Ceremony, January 26th (you don’t want to miss the most inspirational day of the year!), we are preparing to grant more than $170,000, supporting more than 50 organizations. In a year when people are expecting economic tightening, we are able to grant much-needed funds to all the people making a difference. Ever feel like you could help everyone? You kinda just did.
It really is the best thing going, and while I tend toward optimism, I sincerely feel 2023 is going to be even better. If you aren’t currently volunteering on a committee, you may want to consider rolling up your sleeves and diving in. We are still short-handed, seeking a Fall Events Chair, a shadow for our Treasurer, and support for Communications, Spring Fling, and Host Parties, and certainly Grants as we head further into Spring. If you have a friend who might be interested, bring them to the Grants Ceremony, or our Spring Fling!
Considering that, I’d like to send a hearty THANK YOU to Jenny Kelly, last year’s President, who did a fantastic job keeping our Marin Charitable garden vibrant and thriving along with Tuyen Bonneau, Grants Chair, who took on the glorious, but lofty goal of overseeing the decisions and distributions of all the goodness we reaped. And of course, to Jane Hartman for taking on both Fundraising and the Endowment this year. If you have the capacity to relieve her of some of this load, it would be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to continuing their great work, and to representing Marin Charitable in the best way possible. This year, we’ll be looking at how we can shift our branding, grow our grants and become more of a resource for our agencies…and community at large. Thank YOU for being part of our organization, for continuing to find it in your hearts to support our youth, and for being integral to the health of our community’s garden.
Photo Credit: Jodie Righos
