Guess What’s Back? (And Bigger and Better Than Ever!)
…It’s #GivingTuesday!
You have a special opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life this giving season.
#GivingTuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back. Following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 has been designated as a day for charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world to come together to celebrate generosity and to give.
You don't need to be a millionaire or world leader to give back. #GivingTuesday was created with the belief that when everyday people join together in the spirit of giving back extraordinary things can happen.
This year, Search is participating in an exciting statewide initiative called #ILGive (pronounced 'I’ll Give').
#ILGive is a 24-hour digital fundraising event on #GivingTuesday that connects individuals with the causes that matter to them, and empowers donors to give to the local nonprofits that tackle our communities' most critical issues. #ILGive raises money for our communities, brings new donors, and increases awareness about local nonprofits while leveraging the national marketing of #GivingTuesday.
#ILGive is an initiative of Forefront, Illinois’ statewide membership association for nonprofits, grantmakers, public agencies, advisors, and sector allies. Last year, #ILGive raised $11.3 million on #GivingTuesday for Illinois social good organizations.
MATCH YOUR GIFT TO SEARCH ON #GIVINGTUESDAY
This giving season, thanks to a generous donor, you can match your gift to Search on November 28th, #GivingTuesday!
Will you help us meet our goal of raising $20,000?
Visit www.ilgive.com to find out more and visit https://www.ilgive.com/organizations/search-inc to find out how to give to Search!
In the past three years, your support on #GivingTuesday has been instrumental in empowering people with disabilities.
Beth Valukas, Executive Director, says, “Giving Tuesday has emerged as one of our most important avenues for connecting with individual donors and raising essential private support for our programs. We have, in turn, invested these new resources in areas that enable the people we serve to connect with their communities and give back, including through volunteering.”
GIVING BACK
#GivingTuesday is a special movement because it celebrates giving back.
The individuals who participate in Search’s programs contribute to their communities in many ways. Since 2015, the Community Life program at Search has empowered participants to volunteer at partner nonprofit organizations. The simple idea that one person can make a big difference has really caught fire. The experience of each new volunteer inspires their friends, co-workers and peers to give back. 
The Alliance for the Great Lakes Adopt-a-Beach program is just one of the good causes Search volunteers have chosen to support. With over 15 partnerships with other community-based organizations, individuals gave back in countless ways throughout the year. They support food banks, community gardens, literacy organizations, environmental causes and organizations serving the military and the homeless, among many others. Our volunteer partners include:
“Search volunteers experience all of the benefits of contributing their time and talents to others – from social, emotional to physical. They regularly connect with their peers and with others in the community and understand that they are making a difference for causes that are important to them. This helps build a valuable sense of teamwork, purpose and accomplishment that can’t be measured!” – Beth Valukas, Executive Director
Our volunteers generosity shines a light on the many ways people can contribute to their communities. Search volunteers prove that one person can make a difference. 
Here is what our volunteers had to say about their experiences:
The feeling of usefulness, optimism and meaning Search volunteers get from giving back has been truly inspirational. Their generosity shines a light on the many ways people of all abilities can contribute to their communities. Search volunteers prove that all it takes is one person to make a difference and awaken the spirit of giving in others.
Will you join us in celebrating the spirit of giving?
Click here to find out more about #GivingTuesday at Search!
Thank you for your support!