Feature Story
Philanthropy Demystified
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop.
We tend to associate philanthropy with billionaires, but philanthropy simply means the love of humanity. A modern dictionary definition: Supporting initiatives for the public good, focusing on the quality of life. On Give Miami Day, November 21, think of all those institutions that bring culture, education, positive change and joy to the downtown community.
The Miami Foundation’s Give Miami Day 2019 is almost here. “With new personalized profiles and fundraising champion pages, there are more ways than ever for you to support your favorite organizations on Give Miami Day,” said Rebecca Mandelman, Vice President at The Miami Foundation. “These 850 nonprofits work hard every day to improve Miami-Dade, and with the Bonus Pool helping every gift up to $10,000 go even further, Give Miami Day is the community’s chance to support and celebrate their incredible contribution to our life here.”
How Much?
Donations will be accepted from 12 a.m. on November 21, 2019, to 12 a.m. on November 22, 2019. The minimum is $25, but there is no maximum. To donate, follow the link provided for each organization.
The List
Downtown News recognizes the many organizations that makes the Downtown Neighborhood better. Unfortunately, space demands us to focus on six. Here are our recommendations:
1. Avenue 3
A collaborative effort by people with no other agenda than having a saying in the future of a Downtown neglected artery, also known as Short Street. The Official word: “Our purpose is to marshal all the resources available, public and private, to identify new strategies for positively impacting the physical look of the street and to address the #1 concern, which is the large number of unsheltered persons living on downtown streets.”
Complaining is easy, more difficult and laudable is working on solutions. Please, support Avenue 3. By the way, on November 19, Avenue 3 is throwing a neighborhood party, with a history salon, free beer samplings, and live music. www.givemiamiday.org/avenue3miami
2. The Olympia Theater
At the risk of sounding redundant, what an architectural gem the iconic Olympia is. Throughout its long history, dating back to 1926, it has brought to Miami luminaries such as Elvis Presley and Pavarotti. And more than that, The Olympia Theater now serves as a cultural and arts center, offering great entertainment to the neighborhood, often free. The official word: “The mission of Olympia Center, Inc. is to promote, present, and produce Performing and Cultural Arts in South Florida through the operation and management of the historic Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami. Olympia’s 15-year Vision is to achieve a fully restored, vibrant and sustainable Olympia Theater within Downtown Miami’s historic Flagler District, culminating in a 100th Anniversary/ Centennial Celebration in 2026.” Speaking of public offerings, on December 26, a tango party on the stage of the Olympia, with free classes.” www.givemiamiday.org/OlympiaTheater
3. Frost Science Museum
It’s about lifelong science learning and environmental conservation. Help Frost carry out the mission to inspire and connect people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy science and technology, and to better understand themselves and our world. The official word: “We’ve been able to provide over 200,000 free or discounted admissions for local educators, Title 1 students, first responders, active military and veterans; welcome over 1,800 children to our award-winning camp programs; engage over 10,000 local residents in restoration of coastal habitats through our Museum Volunteers for the Environment (MUVE) program; provide care for over 400 animals via our Batchelor Wildlife Center clinic; offer dozens of free community events, including monthly science lectures and quarterly Just for Me sessions, which offer sensory-friendly access to individuals with special needs.” www.givemiamiday.org/frostscience
4. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
One of the world’s leading performing arts organizations and venues right in downtown. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center has emerged as a leader in presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity as well as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area. The Arsht Center presents some 400 events each year, including the largest jazz series in South Florida, a major annual Flamenco Festival, and a robust program of new theatrical works as well as free programming for the community and an arts education program that serves nearly 60,000 children each year. www.givemiamiday.org/arshtcenter
5. History Miami Museum
Not as heralded as other museums but serving an essential purpose is this wonderful museum of history showcasing the trajectory of South Florida from prehistoric times to recent migratory currents. As they say, if we don’t know where we come from, chances are we’d get lost heading to the future. The Official word: “Founded in 1940, we are the largest private history museum in the State of Florida and house four permanent galleries and up to three traveling exhibits, Archives, and Research Center, the South Florida Folklife Center, the Education Center, Center for Photography, and City Tours program. The Museum has been exhibiting for fifty-four years, publishing for seventy-five years, operating a non-circulating library for fifty-four, conducting city tours for forty-five years, and educating more than 500,000 students in the area’s rich history for thirty-four.” www.givemiamiday.org/historymiami
6. The Miami Book Fair
Like they used to say, the last is the best. The Miami Book Fair, an annual literary festival in Miami Dade College, brings over 500 renowned national and international authors exhibitors to a weeklong celebration of all things literary and includes pavilions for translation, comics, children, and young adults. Being an adherent to Jorge Luis Borge's vision of paradise as sort of a library, a collection of books without end, I strongly recommend supporting this magnificent downtown book party. The official word: “The reality is…nearly half of Miami-Dade County 3rd graders fail to read at basic grade level making them four times more likely to drop out of high school. With your help…ONE BOOK for ONE BUCK will provide access to free books to children and families in Miami-Dade County with a focus on children from birth through 8 years old. Why we do it…in lower-income communities, there is only 1 book per 300 children — tragic. 88% of children who never graduate from high school were poor 3rd-grade readers. Our Impact…1 million free books to date and 65 bookshelf sites have been set up to provide under-resourced neighborhoods with a steady supply of quality, age-appropriate books that children can take home and keep. Will you join us…ONE BOOK for ONE BUCK helps us reach our goal of 50,000 books in 24 hours.” The 2019 edition of the Miami Book Fair opens this Sunday, November 17. www.givemiamiday.org/MiamiBookFair
The Quote
There you have six reasons to show your love for humanity and be a philanthropist. And I will end echoing Maya Angelou: I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.
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