We can’t thank our community enough for turning up and tuning in to our November 2020 “Celebrate Los Alamos Philanthropy” with us!
We are excited to share a few highlights with you.
Your feedback underscored how impressive our local nonprofits are!
- “Clearly, there is no shortage of need. I’m grateful we live in a community that has dedicated its strengths to giving and outreach.”
- “It was interesting to learn how organizations with staff are coping with pandemic challenges. We have a great deal in common, and I was impressed by the resolve.”
- “I very much enjoyed the Zoom gathering. Of particular interest were the brief talks given by some of the non-profits in our community. Thank you for organizing this.”
- “I learned a lot. It was very interesting to see how such ‘hands-on’ organizations have pivoted, and found virtuality to be a surprisingly productive tool!”
- “Thank you. I enjoyed it, thought it was very informative, and well done.”
The Family YMCA spoke to us about the many significant challenges that an in-person, membership-based organization faces in these virtual times. A peak of their pandemic experience? A virtual silent auction that raised over $20,000!
First Born Program of Los Alamos had a few super cute hand puppets deliver important messages about their continued work in supporting families with newborns and young children during this isolated time. A peak of their pandemic experience? Seeing their pre-pandemic planning for virtual service delivery pay off!
Dance Arts Los Alamos helped us appreciate the many struggles of trying to keep movement-arts going during a virtual environment. A peak of their pandemic experience? Seeing the unwavering energy that their parents and supporters have for the organization.
We heard from PEEC who spoke on the importance of stepping up to provide continuity with their services, encouraging people to get outdoors when they need it now more than ever. A peak of their pandemic experience? Engaging more fully with people from across the country.
The Rotary Club of Los Alamos discussed challenges with converting their members to zoom comfortably, and redirecting their dues and other funds to immediate, pressing needs like food distribution. A peak of their pandemic experience? Seeing how adaptable their membership can be.
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization took time to talk with us amidst the largest to-go meal delivery the organization had ever undertaken, expecting to deliver over 100 thanksgiving meals that day! A peak of their pandemic experience? Seeing our seniors thrive as much as possible in these hard times.
Congratulations to the winners of the LIVE checks: Los Alamos Community Winds ($1,500), The Rotary Club of Los Alamos ($750), and PEEC ($250). Thanks to our community members for sending in over thirty nominations.
Our thanks to Georgia Strickfaden for speaking on the history of philanthropy and nonprofits in Los Alamos. The richness of this subject deserves an event unto itself.
Our thanks as well to Paul Bombardt for sharing his and his wife Sue’s passion on music education, how to build a philanthropic legacy that has deep impact, and the importance for all of us to continue to give even though the times may be tough. Our organizations need and deserve your support.
For all of us at LACF, this event underscored the importance of our interconnectedness in getting through these difficult times. For our community philanthropists – keep giving and showing up in support of the great work that needs your backing now more than ever. To our nonprofits, keep on pressing on with all that you do! We have an unbelievable amount of great work happening in the community. It is our honor to shed light on it.