We are just going to say it – we have been spoiled in Greenwich. Now you could be asking yourself, in what way? Our beautiful beaches, our scenic parks and hiking trails, our awesome libraries are just a few of many other reasons we may think we are spoiled. In actuality, we are spoiled because of our non-profits.
It is an interesting idea, right? All the many non-profits make our town unique and special for a number of reasons. More often than not, they provide services at a fraction of the cost to taxpayers than if our town government provided the same services. Imagine if the town took over and ran counseling services like that provided by the Child Guidance Center or recreational centers like Arch Street. The costs would be huge. Here is another idea. Even if you personally do not utilize any non-profit services, we are still better off because they help improve our community and increase our property values.
This realization came to us after attending the recent “Go Wild! Movie Night” for the Greenwich Land Trust (GLT). Normally the GLT holds a large outdoor gathering for families with all sorts of activities, hot-air balloon rides, petty zoo and more. Because of COVID they decided to host a drive-in movie night at the polo grounds on North Street.
It was amazing! Where else in Greenwich do you get to watch an outside movie on polo fields, with every possible thought taken into consideration for everyone’s health and safety?
It occurred to us, after watching a presentation about all the great work of the GLT prior to the movie starting, that the real reason we were there (to see Harry Potter outside and that great swag bag) was for the needed money raised to continue their efforts.
Moreover, we in Greenwich have not only been spoiled by our nonprofits in the value they bring to our town, but also by their events. $300 may seem a little pricey for a movie ticket, but we were glad to pay it and support GLT. We wish we could do more. We need GLT and our non-profits to thrive and survive, and this is how we do so.
We will say it – we have been spoiled by being able to attend fundraising events in town, with Cirque de Sole, with celebrity chefs, professional comedians, and musicians, and swag bags that are the envy of all our out-of-town friends.
Many of us have volunteered at non-profits wearing different hats over the years. It has given us an inside perspective on not only all the great work they do, but how they do it. The shelves at Neighbor to Neighbor do not stock themselves. There is a well-organized operation that ensures the food is there and that it is distributed to those in need. Likewise, at Kids in Crisis and Community Centers Inc. and too many others to list here.
We can all be philanthropists. There is no minimum bank balance you must have before you can help another. You can help financially, or you can help by volunteering. Often, organizations need help to complete their mission that only volunteers can provide. Arch Street, our teen center, never would have come into existence without a core group of volunteers working tirelessly to ensure it did.
What organizations in town do you benefit from? It can often be a religious institution. Have you made a donation recently? Have you volunteered an hour of your time? We encourage you to do so. You will feel good doing so, and not only will it benefit the organization but our whole town as well.
Finally, in the words of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.”
