DG Giving Back
Raising Kind Kids: How family volunteering inspires lifelong giving
By Katie Bolinger As mimics, children often mirror the behavior of their elders, so parents play a crucial role in fostering a child’s desire to give back. Children who see their parents actively volunteering are more likely to follow suit. Leading by example helps kids grow into compassionate, engaged adults who continue contributing to their…
Read MoreYear-End Giving: Charitable contributions during the holiday season
By Dave McGowan In the last issue, I reported that more than $557 billion was estimated to be contributed to charitable organizations in 2023. Do you know that much of that giving was contributed in the last quarter of the year? Why do people give then? Well, the December 31 deadline to record gifts for…
Read MoreLocal Blessings
Blessings in a Backpack offers a solution for food insecurity By Maureen Callahan Millions of American families experience food insecurity. Sometimes, it’s part of the fall-out from another event, such as job loss. Other times, it’s a longer-term issue. Blessings in a Backpack (BIB) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that ensures local students have…
Read MoreGiving USA: U.S. charitable giving totaled over $550 billion in 2023
By Dave McGowan Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2023, released in June, reported that an estimated $557.16 billion was donated by all sources last year. Giving USA Foundation, a public service initiative of The Giving Institute, publishes the Report. It is researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School…
Read MoreCharitable Giving: DuPage County’s predicted wealth transfer has huge implications
By Dave McGowan The 2020 Illinois Transfer of Wealth Study reveals an astonishing trend: DuPage County residents are transferring more wealth than ever before, and this unique moment won’t last forever. We’re now in the final five years before we reach the peak at the end of 2028. Back in 2005, only 6% of DuPage…
Read MoreBen’s Memorial Mile helps raise mental health awareness while remembering Ben Silver
By Maureen Callahan I Photos courtesy of Ben’s Memorial Mile May marks the 75th anniversary of Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to consider the importance of mental health in our daily lives. Tragically, each year, thousands of people commit suicide while battling mental illness. Every summer, Downers Grove pauses to remember Downers Grove…
Read MoreDuPage Pads
At this year’s Taste of Hope event in late February, DuPagePads once again proved the power of a community that believes everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a way to journey back to a home of their own. The organization continues to break records, raising more than $340,000 this year. Funds will be…
Read MoreGreat Escape: Glenhagen Farm Retreat
Glenhagen Farm Retreat offers youth and adults a rich camp experience right here in Illinois This summer, it will be a full family affair for the Kupisches at Glenhagen Farm Retreat. Kup will continue to serve as the primary director, and his son, Andrew Kupisch, will be joining the directorial staff as well. Kup’s daughter,…
Read MoreChicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity
This year marks the 116th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, North America’s longest-running auto exposition. First staged in 1901, the show brings thousands of people together to showcase hundreds of different vehicles including domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars from more than two dozen manufacturers. The…
Read MoreChicago Auto Show: First Look for Charity supports the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
By Anna Hughes Approximately one in 36 children across the United States will receive an autism diagnosis. This news is burdensome for families who have a myriad of questions: Will my child be able to attend a regular school? Can they live a normal life? What extra care and attention will they need? Because autism…
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