The holidays are for giving.
 
We give because it makes us feel good. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, the winter solstice, or something else during these cold, dark days, we are all celebrating our community and sharing gratitude with our loved ones at the end of the year.
 
And what better way to kick off these celebrations than with a new holiday: the day we celebrate giving—GivingTuesday, which took place on December 3rd. Seven years ago, the GivingTuesday movement was born on social media as part as the non-profit community’s response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and has now become the “start date” for the end of year holiday giving season. This global day of giving has become the biggest giving day of the year.
 
This year PennFuture had a goal of raising $10,000 for GivingTuesday while encouraging new donors. We got really close, raising $9,532.49 in 24 hours! Part of that included a match of $4,690 from GivingTuesday donors from last year, which we surpassed! Thanks to your donations, PennFuture’s GivingTuesday Challenge Match was a success. What is most exciting is that of the 83 donors who gave on that day, 25 of them were new donors! 
 
What a great start to our end of year giving campaign! These new donors are also new members, and the more members we have the more attention our elected leaders must pay to us. 
 
If you didn't get a chance to donate on GivingTuesday, it's okay! There is still plenty of time to make your 2019 donation this season and keep your membership active. GivingTuesday is a wonderful day of celebrating philanthropy and the work so many great charities do. But really, it is just one day. PennFuture's work goes on all year long because environmental watchdogs never sleep! And that's what we are, Pennsylvania’s watchdog for clean air, pure water, and a healthy climate.
 
PennFuture is leading the transition to a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania and beyond. With your support we are protecting our air, water and land, and empowering citizens to build sustainable communities for future generations.
 
I can’t think about giving at the holidays without thinking about the famous literary character Ebenezer Scrooge. It is through charitable giving that Scrooge understands the meaning of the holiday. He gave because it made him feel as light as a feather, happy as an angel, merry as a schoolboy. He gave because it made him feel good. 
 
I hope you feel just as good this year.
 
On behalf of us all at PennFuture, I thank you for your giving and wish you peace, love, and joy during this wonderful holiday season, and a happy new year!