Giving Tuesday: Amplifying Causes That Matter
This Giving Tuesday, we’re embracing the true spirit of the season: giving back. As we reflect on all that we are grateful for, we’re reminded of the importance of supporting those who are working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others. Our team has selected some amazing causes that are close to our hearts, and we hope you’ll consider joining us in giving back to these impactful organizations.
From the CEO: Megan’s Charities
Founder and CEO Megan Paquin jokes that she cares most about moms, girls, and hearts. Here are the nonprofits she’s most passionate about:
Each year in the U.S., thousands of infants do not live to celebrate their first birthday. Each of those infants leave a loving mother to grieve. That’s where The Finley Project steps in. The Finley Project is the nation’s only seven-part holistic healing program for mothers who have experienced the loss of one or more children before the age of two. The nonprofit organization provides no-cost assistance with funeral arrangements, groceries and gas, house cleaning, massage therapy, one-to-one counseling, fellowship, and support. They also work closely with hospitals to advocate for safe care practices.
Pace Center for Girls (Orange)
As a girl who followed in her mom’s entrepreneurial footsteps and the mom of two daughters, there’s nothing Megan believes in more than girls. That’s why she loves Pace Center for Girls. In Orange County, Pace provides free year-round middle school and high school academics, counseling, and life skills in a safe, trauma-informed, strength-based and supportive environment. It is truly a place where girls’ are not only set up for success, but also to thrive in every aspect of their lives. As they say: once a Pace girl, always a Pace girl!
Just weeks before his 40th birthday, Megan’s husband was diagnosed with severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure. A virus had attacked and damaged his heart so badly that it could no longer pump blood throughout his body. Thanks to a lifesaving diagnosis in the emergency department, the quick action and continued dedication of a dream team of specialists from AdventHealth and the Mayo Clinic, numerous lifestyle changes and medications, Ben is able to live normally with heart failure. “Throughout the most difficult times of this experience, the American Heart Association was a lifeline with information and resources that helped us understand Ben’s diagnosis and how to best support his heart health,” Megan said. “I’ll always be grateful for their advocacy and insight, as well as its work to raise awareness for hands-only CPR and research that helps save countless lives every year.”
Cynthia’s Charities: Advocacy and Mental Health
Digital Marketing Account Manager Cynthia Velasco supports organizations that advocate for underrepresented communities and prioritize mental health. Here are the causes that mean the most to her:
Cynthia’s personal experience with mental health struggles led her to Therapy for Latinx, which offers culturally competent therapy services. “I also love and appreciate that they do what they can to provide access to free and low-cost access to services and try to change the narrative about mental health within our culture where it is often stigmatized,” Cynthia said.
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Inspired by her mother’s work with immigrant families, Cynthia supports The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. This organization advocates for immigrant children, ensuring they have legal representation and that their voices are heard. “I seek to be an advocate for those who are looking to live a life full of safety, dignity, and opportunity, and The Young Center facilitates that important work for the most vulnerable in our society,” Cynthia said.
Erin’s Efforts: Supporting Small and Local
While Chief of Staff Erin Charles doesn’t support any one organization exclusively, she is committed to supporting small businesses and local causes in ways almost anyone can duplicate. Here’s how Erin gives back:
Supporting Small Businesses
Erin believes in the power of shopping small and supporting local businesses in her community of Ivanhoe Village. “My neighborhood is filled with amazing family-owned businesses, and I try to support them as much as possible,” Erin said.
Round-Up Donations
Erin also makes it a habit to round up her purchases or donate when prompted at the grocery store.
Karla’s Causes: Empowering and Uplifting
PR Account Manager Karla Ray is passionate about helping those in need, particularly young people and survivors of trafficking. Here are the organizations she is deeply involved with:
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Karla is a strong supporter of the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, which provides shelter, veterinary services, and adoption programs for pets in need. “One of my favorite aspects of PAGO’s services is the indigent veterinary care they provide to the community- providing thousands of vaccines every year at no cost, as well as low-cost spaying and neutering to control the pet population,” Karla said.
Karla serves on the board of The Faine House, which provides transitional housing and wraparound services for young adults aging out of foster care. “The Faine House offers support for young people who might otherwise be left to navigate adulthood alone,” she shares. “I’m proud to be involved in an organization that provides stability and opportunity for these young adults who might otherwise be homeless.”
Karla is also dedicated to Samaritan Village, an organization that operates safe homes for survivors of human trafficking. “Human trafficking is a horrific reality, and Samaritan Village provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors to rebuild their lives,” Karla says. “Their work is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse and providing a fresh start for those in need.”
Make-A-Wish of Central and North Florida
Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, offering them joy and hope during difficult times. Karla supports Make-A-Wish’s mission to bring happiness and relief to families facing health challenges.
Laura’s Love of Giving: Help In A Crisis, and Random Acts of Kindness
Account Manager Laura D’Abbondanza looks for opportunities to spread joy and assistance year-round, often in unexpected ways. Here’s how she gives back:
Harbor House of Central Florida
One-in-three people will experience abuse at the hands of a partner. Harbor House offers emergency shelter, court injunctions and a hotline for those experiencing domestic abuse. They also offer prevention through education. Trained counselors teach everyone from children to business leaders to recognize, respond and refer. Counselors equip law enforcement and first-responders with tools to effectively and empathetically support survivors.
Authentic Giving
“Giving can be a deeply personal activity. It forces us to look up from our devices and take a personal interest in our fellow humans,” Laura said. “There are many wonderful organizations that work tirelessly and passionately for causes that impact lives. In addition to donating to such organizations, my favorite way to give is generously, anonymously and immediately with deliberate acts of kindness.”
For example, Laura has been known to pay for an elderly couple’s lunch while dining at a restaurant, or providing dinner to a neighbor going through a hard time.
“During the holidays, many families are financially stretched, so visiting a grocery store and paying for a family’s groceries could mean the world to that family,” she said. “These seemingly small acts of kindness can often be a catalyst for additional acts of kindness that touch even more lives and directly benefit the communities in which we live.”
A Season of Giving
This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to support causes that are close to your heart. Whether it’s donating to one of these incredible charities or finding another organization that resonates with you, every contribution helps. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and support that lasts far beyond the holiday season.
Happy Giving Tuesday from all of us at Paquin PR!
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