Be a "Giving Heart"!

It comes around once a year here in North Dakota.  A proclamation is made by the governor and a day is chosen as "Giving Hearts Day".  Reading through the proclamation gives insight into the formation of the annual event, as well as how effective it has been in raising funds for organizations throughout our region.

Giving Hearts Day

Effective Date: 

February 11, 2016

WHEREAS, Giving Hearts Day was started in 2008 by the Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation as the first one-day ‘virtual’ fundraising event of its kind in the region; and

WHEREAS, this 24-hour online fundraising event in North Dakota and western Minnesota is dedicated to inspiring online donations for charities at impactgiveback.org; and

WHEREAS, Giving Hearts Day raised $325,000 for local charities in its first year and donations topped $1 million in 2011; and

WHEREAS, last year, $6.9 million was raised through more than 30,528 individual donations, with $4,645 donations per minute, directly benefitting 287 charities – and since its start, over $22.7 million has been raised; and

WHEREAS, the Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation developed impactgiveback.org to create a powerful regional user-friendly site for donors to find and connect with charities; nonprofits profile their organizations on the site, receive donations, recruit volunteers and take event registrations; and

WHEREAS, North Dakota citizens are encouraged to support Giving Hearts Day and to take action by volunteering or making financial donations to local charities.

NOW, THEREFORE, as Governor of the State of North Dakota, I do hereby proclaim February 11, 2016, GIVING HEARTS DAY in the state of North Dakota.

It is a win-win situation.  Donors have an opportunity to give to the causes of their choice, while having their donations matched dollar for dollar.  Organizations are given an "easy access" method of promoting their cause and get the benefit of receiving double for each gift offered.  Those who came up with the idea back in 2008 certainly started a good thing!

 Giving was an example set for us by our Heavenly Father.  We are reminded of this each time we hear the words of the much quoted John 3:16.

For God so loved the world

that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish,

but have eternal life. (NIV)  

Another passage comes to mind, one which encourages us to be generous and giving when God has provided us with the resources to do so.  These words are found recorded in 1 Timothy 6:17-18.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,

which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Verse 19 also gives us good reason to do so, stating those who are generous "will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so they may take hold of the life that is truly life".  There is also a promise in God's Word offering a reward to those who give.  This is found in Luke 6:38.

Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together

and running over, will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use,

it will be measured to you.

You can be sure we will be checking out www.impactgiveback.org tomorrow.  This year we were excited to learn Trinity Christian School, where our grandchildren attend, is among the organizations listed.  We also have a burden for ND Teen Challenge, which rehabilitates those with alcohol and drug addictions and the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown which helps those with disabilities. 

Take time to check over your budget and see if God has allowed you any excess to share with others.  Then read through the list of possible recipients and find which causes touch your heart.  Take advantage of this opportunity to turn your ordinary heart into a giving heart.  Your effort will not go unnoticed by God and will reap benefits beyond what this world can offer!