Story by Sonnet Ann Moore
It’s that time of year again. You know what we mean, right? Holiday shopping, boatloads of gifts, baked treats, the whole nine yards. Between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget to take a moment to give back. After Black Friday, Small Shop Saturday, and Cyber Monday, there’s one day that we forget about. Giving Tuesday, happening this year on December 3.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday started as a simple idea in 2012. This one day of giving started as a global movement to encourage one thing: to simply do good. There is a sense of power that one feels when they donate to their favorite charity or organization. What if each year on the same day, each of us gave just one dollar to their favorite non-profit organization? That’s what we want to encourage each of you to do this year. So instead of splurging on the latest iPhone, why not donate to a cause and start a global movement of kindness? That’s something we can get behind.
This year at The Columbusite we’re sharing a list of non-profit arts organizations that you can contribute to this year on Giving Tuesday. Arts & culture is here to stay in Columbus, so let’s champion these organizations together as a community.
River Center for the Performing Arts
The RiverCenter provides a space for performance, whether that be National Broadway Tours or hosting the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. This organization’s mission of providing quality entertainment and promoting the artistic enrichment of the Columbus area has only grown since opening in 2002. To learn more and donate, visit their giving page: https://rivercenter.org/give/
Springer Opera House
The Springer Opera House, also known as Georgia’s Historic State Theatre, not only provides quality entertainment to our community, but invites their patrons to partake in the arts. With programs like The Springer Theatre Academy and opportunities to audition or volunteer your time, there are plenty of ways to give to The Springer. To lean more and donate, visit their giving page: https://springeroperahouse.org/make-a-donation
The Columbus Museum
Founded in 1953, the Columbus Museum has stayed true to their mission of bringing American art and history to life in the Chattahoochee Valley. The sense of creativity and curiosity that is evoked when stepping through the doors of the Columbus Museum is inspiring for people of all ages. From art programs for children to yoga in the museum, there is so much to learn at the museum. To learn more and donate, visit their giving page: https://columbusmuseum.com/join-give/
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1855. CSO was the second orchestra formed in the United States. Throughout history, the CSO disbanded, yet they came together to play and create music during times of peace. Rebanded in 1949, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to perpetuate the orchestral tradition through creative programs, to educate, and to engage their audience. To lean more and donate, visit their giving page: https://csoga.org/donate/
Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus
The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus has been creating music since 1995. For the last 25 years, this fantastic group of young musicians have learned basic orchestral practices. The Youth Orchestra has one goal. To provide an opportunity for young people to learn, perform, and enjoy classical music. To learn more and donate, visit their giving page: http://yogc.org/contributions/
Clement Arts
Clement Arts is a nonprofit organization supporting gospel-centered orphan care through the arts. Clement Arts connects children to families in the process of adoption and fostering by giving them access to music and art events, art classes for children, and more. To learn more and donate, visit their giving page: https://www.clement-arts.org/how-to-help/
Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance
The Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance was founded in 1993 and assists in increasing the visibility and accessibility of the region’s non-profit art organizations. The CCAA creates opportunity and brings art to the forefront. To learn more and donate, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/columbusculturalartsalliancega/
Without the continual work and selfless mission of each of these organizations, our city wouldn’t be as special and unique as we all know it to be. This holiday season, let’s all remember to give back, collaborate together, and celebrate the power of empathy and kindness. Happy Giving Tuesday from our Columbusite staff to you and yours. ◼︎
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