Comstock's magazine 0919 - September 2019 | Page 95

Capital Region Cares Caring for our C ommunity hat makes a community? We believe a community is people working together to improve the lives of those who live in this region, the 10 counties served by Comstock’s. Many of our community’s heroes are well-known, including firefighters, law enforcement and oth- er first responders, but the Capital Region has many others who do heroic work, often behind the scenes, unsung, and with little or no financial reward. They are the hundreds of nonprofit and volunteer organizations that tend to the many needs of our community, including supporting the arts, helping the homeless, rescuing abused animals, and making families stronger with job and educational help. This is the 24th year of our Capital Region Cares program. In these pages, and more in the months to come, we will introduce you to the nonprofit and volunteer organizations that add so much richness to our community. All of them could use financial support or a partner to help them achieve their mission. Philanthropy can be a valuable part of any business plan, and it can take many forms. Finan- cial support is certainly an obvious one. But many of these community groups need expertise and other forms of help. Some could use volunteers. Some could use grant writers. Some could use help with financial planning. Some would value the business expertise of a new member to their board of directors. We know many in the business community are generous and would like to help but need some direction to know where they can make the most effective contribution. We hope through the stories and other information we share in these and upcoming Capital Region Cares pages that Comstock’s can be a matchmaker and provide guidance to make an informed decision. We know business cares deeply about this region in ways that are not always measured on a balance sheet, and we’re glad we can make the introductions that can bring the two worlds of our community together for the greater good of all. PLATINUM SPONSOR September March 2019 2017 | comstocksmag.com 95