Comstock's magazine 1119 - November 2019 | Page 89

Capital Region Cares
N onprofits need to
T alk B usiness
hether it’s people experiencing homelessness and hunger or youth who need mentoring,
there are many members of our community who have been put in the position of needing
support. Unexpected challenges, including illness or loss of a job or family member can be
enough to put people already on the economic margins into places of serious hardship. While none
of us are without risk of facing a personal, health or financial disaster within our lifetimes, it’s the
most vulnerable members of our community who must often turn to the support of community
organizations where the social systems and infrastructures failed to protect them.
The word philanthropy comes from the ancient Greeks. It’s defined as the altruistic concern for
human welfare and the activity of donating to help those in need. The word literally translates to
“the love of humankind.”
Throughout Northern California, many philanthropists devote their time to raising funds for
nonprofit organizations that fill unmet needs in our community. The Sacramento Regional Com-
munity Foundation has identified about 600 nonprofit organizations in Sacramento, Yolo and El
Dorado counties that received funding during the Big Day of Giving in May and are supported by
thousands of people who share their passions for various causes.
While philanthropic efforts happen all year long, since 1986, the Association of Fundraising Pro-
fessionals has been celebrating the efforts of donors, volunteers, foundations, community leaders,
corporations and others on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day. This year, Comstock’s was proud
to be among the sponsors for Sacramento’s National Philanthropy Day, organized by the California
Capital Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
At a luncheon, the community recognized the leadership of five organizations and individuals
in the Sacramento area. It was a diverse group, including a credit union and a corporate restaurant
operator that each support several nonprofits; a longtime certified fundraising executive for a local
foundation who began raising money for charity at the age of 12; an ophthalmologist who teaches
watercolor lessons to people with limited visual ability and raises funds for children’s organizations;
PLATINUM SPONSORS
November
March 2019
2017 | comstocksmag.com
89