After a great deal of time reading, re-reading, and re-reading some more, I have been able to whittle this large list of applicants down to my “Final Five.” However, over some more deliberation this past weekend, I am proud to present my “Triple Threat” (My final three organizations). Here they are:
A. Boys and Girls Clubs of Binghamton
I think a lot has already been said with regard to this organization. I don’t think that any of us would refute its success and ability to keep individuals entertained, educated, and in a place that will maximize their individual productivity. What really drew me to this organization is two-fold. The first was that it is planting the seeds of success in these children, by giving them a place to both further their education, as well as let out all of the energy and exuberance that comes with being a kid. The second thing that really impressed me about the Boys and Girls Club is that for such a large organization, they are extremely organized, and are very in touch with what their needs are, down to the nitty-gritty. The fact that they knew they needed art supplies, and that local kids need a baseball field constructed really impressed me. The fact that this organization can pay attention to both detail, as well as the larger picture, and maintain this level of success, earned them high marks in my book.
B. Discovery Center
Before reading this application, I thought it was going to be like every other museum I went to as a child, and I didn’t really expect it to stand out. Boy, was I wrong. The Discovery Center, to me, seems to have it’s finger on the pulse of the community, and I think their application clearly reflected that. Two main reasons I believe that funding this organization would be beneficial are their connections with Binghamton University already, and their vision for the money, and the future in general. The Discovery Center already has a partnership with a number of fraternities, sororities, and other groups and clubs on campus. This presence on campus lends to the work it does, as well as its good reputation in the community. Furthermore, I believe that their vision for the money is extremely well thought out, and will go to serve a much higher purpose. I found it impressive that they only asked for $2,500 as opposed to all of the money, with plans as grand and impressive as the one we read about in this application.
C. Soup and Sandwich Lunch Program
While the Discovery Center has its fingers on the pulse of the community, and the Boys and Girls Club seemed to cater to the community’s future, the Soup and Sandwich Lunch Program, at least to me, seemed to be something that grew out of a communal need. It addresses an issue that is so fundamental, it is hard to ignore. At the same time, this program is providing people with a meal, with company in which to eat the meal, as well as a financial relief, by not charging for the meal. Compared to the budgets of the first two organizations, the $3,150.86 that this program is operating on is literally pocket change. The fact that the program is running shows that not only is it successful as a “band-aid” program, but there is a deeper community need. I am wholeheartedly in favor of supporting this program, but not in place of contributing money to alleviating hunger in the area, in some respect.
So, what do you guys think? Can we give with just our hearts? Our heads? Or Both? Does it matter?
I always start off my comments by saying great job, and I really mean it! I truly appreciate this post because your triple threat (your top 3) is my top deuce (my top two)! I narrowed my top two down to the Boys and Girls Club and the Discovery Center for some of your reasons, but I will add my own also. I agree with the fact that they Boys and Girls Club plant seeds of success in their members. But another reason why I would chose to donate them is that the fact that I have contributed more than 2 years to BG Clubs around the East Coast and Middle West and they truly stick to their mission Aside from what they have stated to us in the documents. Also, in Binghamton, many student organizations have chose to consistently adopt the BGC as their "agency" for the simple fact that they believe in the organization and it has been trying its hardest to live up to its mission. Working at the CCE on campus and being in contact with the Boys and Girls Club they are also very consistent on keeping the Binghamton community updated and involved. They are clearly deserving because they work hard to get as much help from all the resources that they come across.
ReplyDeleteAll three of these organizations are also on my list! I mostly just wanted to comment on the Soup and Sandwich Lunch Program because I feel it provides a good service to the community and does so in a very non-threatening way. Although the program is run through a church, the program does not require it's participants to be affiliated with the church or be of the same religion. Because of this, I can see the program as providing a source of social interaction that may in the community may be lacking and yearning for. Not only does the program provide for people by the way of nourishment, but also helps to create relationships in the community. These relationships can form between participants or even participants to the volunteers. The dignity that is upheld in this program is also something to notice. I think it is wonderful that they "choose to serve restaurant style to emphasize dignity". The program might not be providing a massive service, but the service does mean a great deal and does allow for the participants to use the money they are saving in a different way. I believe that since the running expenses are so low, giving money to this organization would provide growth and some hope in a not so great economy.
ReplyDelete