Giving Hearts Day is February 8, 2024!
Why are we talking about something that is 162 days away now?
From the Giving Hearts Day website:
Giving Hearts Day History As part of a continual improvement program at Fargo, North Dakota-based Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF), Giving Hearts Day arose in 2008 as a simple but unique fundraising concept: Around Valentine’s Day, ask people to show affection to not only people they love but charities, too. In the decade-plus since, the event has gone on to become one of the longest-running and most successful giving days in the country, providing a platform for North Dakota and northwest Minnesota charities to raise nearly $165 million. It’s not just a day, though. It’s a year-round effort. Using skills taught by DMF and Fargo-based Impact, charities build a fundraising system that they put to use on Giving Hearts Day, the “Super Bowl” of giving in the Upper Midwest. It has become the region’s day to feed the hungry, nurture the elderly, and educate tomorrow’s leaders.
We will begin fundraising for our matching funds for Giving Hearts Day soon! The way it works is that we get individuals and businesses to donate money to us and then on Giving Hearts Day, we ask everyone to help us meet those matched funds.
This was by far the biggest fundraising event we had last year!
This was also one of my favorite experiences last year!
Why? Check out this Facebook video: https://fb.watch/mJIwA9yGuz/
“Each charity meets a need in our community.”
I cannot tell you how AMAZING it was to work with a group of people who understood that! Each one of our organizations helps to fill a need in our community. So, let’s help each other be successful!
What a concept!
In addition to the huge Giving Hearts Day community, our local area nonprofits come together and form their own “collaborative”. https://www.facebook.com/swndgivingheartsday Since last year was our first year participating in this event, the other nonprofits allowed me to just ride their coattails so to speak. They understood how overwhelming this process could be and they reassured me that they were here to help. “Next year” they said, “We will sign you up for everything!” lol
UNITY: By definition: the state of being united or joined as a whole.
That is the beauty of the Giving Hearts Day community. Different groups or organizations join together to create a whole. Our individual beliefs may differ greatly from others in this group, but we all come together with the understanding that each one of these organizations is equally important to the individuals in our community. We cheer each other on, help each other out, share success stories and brainstorm together on how to make this day successful for each one of our organizations.
A LOT of work goes into the Giving Hearts Day season we are about to embark upon, but I have to say, I am looking forward to it!
Then I wonder…
How GREAT would it be if the wild horse community could do the same?
If we could all UNDERSTAND that while we may not share the same beliefs on birth control, captures, litigation, legislation, witnessing round-ups, and the selling of wild horses, etc., but each one of us offers something that the wild horse community as a whole needs. Why can’t we all “cheer each other on, help each other out, share success stories and brainstorm together on how to be successful for each one of our organizations. “?
I don’t have that answer, but it seems we just can’t.
And it is very sad for this community as a whole.
The only ones who really suffer are the horses and we all proclaim to LOVE the horses.
Why can’t we start there and go back to that simple concept whenever controversy comes up?
Again, I don’t have that answer.
I can only answer to the actions of our own non-profit.
We get one chance to save the Theodore Roosevelt National Park wild horses. We have to fight with everything we have to make sure they stay right where they are, right where they have always been.
As a nonprofit organization, the success of the fight takes money.
How can you help?
- Sharing our posts helps get our message out in front of more people
- If you are able to donate to our Giving Hearts Day matching funds, please send us a check with GHD in the notes to: Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, P.O. Box 3562, Dickinson, ND 58602. You can also make a donation through any of the ways listed on our website (https://chwha.org/support-chwha/) and just send us a note asking that your donation be used for Giving Hearts Day.
- We will be holding a silent auction at the end of September. We need help! We need businesses & individuals to donate items for our auction! If you can help, please email us at info@chwha.org.
- We need help! We have come a long way and accomplished some pretty amazing things, but there is still A LOT of work to be done! If you are able to help in any capacity, please email us at info@chwha.org. We will be responding to your emails this week with different ways you can help!
- Please continue to check in with us before you make a donation to an organization that claims to be working to save the TRNP wild horses. There are several organizations trying to capitalize on our hard work and many of our followers have been upset to learn that donations they made are not helping us. Don’t be afraid to ask the organization how your donation will be used. You can also email us at info@chwha.org to ask about specific campaigns.
- Please consider making a donation to support our advocacy work! https://secure.everyaction.com/FbY2_tNxQU6Ehc9K2RsjZw2 Every little bit helps! Donations can also be made year round on the Giving Hearts Day website https://app.givingheartsday.org/#/charity/1669!
Thank you for your support and have a great day!
Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates is committed to advocating for a wild horse management plan and protection for these unique wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home! We are fighting for a management plan that is guided by science especially when it comes to decisions regarding the removal of horses and the administration of birth control. Many other wild horse management plans have proven to be successful with their science-based plans. We are asking for the same for this amazing group of wild horses that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home.