Charity Begins At Home And CharityHappenings.org
New Yorkers are great about getting involved. Now there is a website that bills itself as the official master calendar of non-profit events, galas and benefits. It also has links to every charity mentioned so you can figure out what might be a good fit for you. Do you want to be a volunteer or a board member? Do the research through this website: www.CharityHappenings.org.
We recently sat down with the founder of CharityHappenings, Justin Baer.
" CharityHappenings is the official master calendar, online destination and social hub of non-profit events, volunteer opportunities, party pictures, galas, the whole works, especially in New York.
"We have 30,000 subscribers. Our e-mail newsletter tells them what events to go to, what events are hot; we post party pictures, engagements, and we feature engaged couples,
"We also have a get-involved newsletter. We update our audience on the best charity event or organization or board they can get involved in.
So how should someone choose a charity to become active in?
"Choose something that really peaks your interest. I personally volunteer at Project Sunshine. It's like totally fun, and hands on with children that are usually in hospitals for a long stay.
"You literally go in there and play games with them. I hadn't done arts & crafts since middle school. You usually do fun things with them and they love it.
"We posted another thing for The Cancer Insitute. They're looking for board members. One of my friends went to check them out. He said it was fantastic. He learned about the latest research, what kind of grants they're giving out.
"Think of the networking possiblities also," said Baer. "It's an amazingly high level way to get jobs; to meet amazing high level contacts, really high level contacts. Also, these charity events, that we also have the calendar of, It's a great place, if your single, to meet a nice girl or a guy. It's a quality group of people.
"Lots of these charity events, they're fun, they have a live band, a DJ and great food and at the same time you're doing something great.
"Instead of going out to a restaurant, or spending $150 on dinner, why not go to a charity event, you can get the same type of meal, and it's a party and your helping out and you're having a great time.
" We link to all the charity's websites. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter and there are links to any organization. Our website is really a master calendar, click breast cancer events in december... There they all are.
"This has never been done before.
"I was looking to get involved, I was looking to see what was out there, what events are happening, what volunteer activities were available and I didn't see anything out there. I saw a need for a master calendar not only for event planners but for socially-active people looking to be involved.
"People want to volunteer. People want to get involved. They want to help out. They want to make a difference.
"There are wonderful volunteer opportunities.
"These charities, it feels great, your doing something good, you're giving back but not only that
it's a great place to meet unbelievable contacts, make new friends and possibly meet somebody nice as well.
"If you're interested in going to a charity event you can look at photos from their event last year.
"We get hundreds of e-mails from people saying, I'm interested, how can i get involved, where can I go.
"When we first started I just wanted to put this calendar out there and the next thing you know, we have 30,000 email subscribers looking to get involved, looking to see what's going on out there. Its really amazing.
"The website is funded by advertisers on the website. Advertisers are able to reach an affluent, socially-conscious clientele. I think some of the most influential people in New York are on our list.
WPIX recently received an e-mail from CharityHappenings..encouraging people to get involved. This is their inaugural GET INVOLVED newsletter, highlighting the best board member and volunteer opportunities available in NYC.
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The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. The Champions Committee brings together a group of energetic and philanthropic New Yorkers to help further the Foundation's important work, fundraising through cocktail parties and shopping events. To GET INVOLVED contact: teamreeve@christopherreeve.org & visit Christophereeve.org.
The Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists is a network of young professionals committed to philanthropic giving and volunteerism for the purpose of supporting research in cancer immunology. As a member of the council you will have the ability to empower young people and impact the development of cutting edge cancer immunotherapy. To GET INVOLVED contact: Alexis Feldman, Chair Alexis@feldmanrealty.com or visit Canceresearch.org
Project Sunshine provides free educational, recreational and social programs to children facing medical challenges and their families. Project Sunshine is looking for volunteers to work directly with children and families through fun hands-on activities and programs. To GET INVOLVED email Lauren@projectsunshine.org & visit Projectsunshine.org.
The Education Through Music Associates is a group of young professionals (21-40 yrs) who volunteer their time, energy and talents to help support ETM's music education programs in inner-city schools. As an ETM Associate, not only will you be involved with a wonderful cause, you will have the opportunity to attend and help plan great events, meet new people and make a difference in a child's education. To GET INVOLVED contact: Emily Estock
eestock@ETMonline.org or visit Etmonline.org
Help animals change people's lives and volunteer with GallopNYC. They bring the joy of therapeutic horseback riding to people with disabilities in NYC. Volunteers groom and tack horses (if you don't know what that is they will teach you) and walk along riders to safeguard and assist them. They serve riders with a broad range of disabilities, from autism and CP to at risk teens, at their Brooklyn location near Prospect Park. To GET INVOLVED email info@gallopnyc.org or visit Gallopnyc.org
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Have a unique volunteer opportunity? Email Justin@charityhappenings.org
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