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Business Lexington
Lexington, Ky. - If it worked in Portland, why not Lexington? A quick, easy and fun approach to charitable giving was launched today with the aim of "educating and inspiring a whole new generation of community-oriented generosity and involvement," according to the "GoodGiving Guide Challenge 2011." The initiative results from a partnership between Smiley Pete Publishing, parent company of , and , and the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
Business Lexington
Dozens of local non-profits -58, in all- are featured in the Guide, available in hard copy in the Oct. 28 edition of and online at http://www.GoodGivingGuide.net. The organizations, large and small, represent a wide range of community support in areas as diverse as education, animal-welfare, environment, health and arts & culture.
Willamette Week
Based on Give!Guide, a project launched by the newspaper in Portland, Oregon, the "crowd-funding" concept aims to create opportunities to participate in acts of generosity regardless of income-level. Contributions to designated organizations are made by credit card via the project's safe and secure website.
There is special emphasis on developing the charitable ethic among the 35 and under crowd.
To make it challenging and fun, local businesses have stepped up to provide premiums such as a Lexmark "printer needs assessment" and corresponding Lexmark printer to the 30 nonprofits with the most donations over $25.
Contributions of $50-$99.99 receive a package that includes a cup of tea at Montea Tea Shop, free admission to a movie at the Kentucky Theater, one game of bowling for two at Collins Bowling Centers, a cup of coffee at Coffee Times Coffee House, a free day for the dog at Dogtown, free admission to the Museum of the Horse, a free taco at Local Taco, a $5 coupon toward YMCA registration, admission to the Richard Bell exhibit at the Art Museum at UK and a discount on a beer or a free soft drink at Bourbon & Toulouse.
Gifts of between $100 and $499 receive all of those items plus entry in a drawing to win a 2-year lease on a 2011 Outback provided by Quantrell Subaru.
Categories continue to the $2,500 level which includes all items provided in the lower categories plus a visit with one of the owners of Smiley Pete Publishing, Chuck Creacy or Chris Eddie, who will personally deliver the prize package.
The Blue Grass Community Foundation is providing grants of up to $2,000 to the non-profit with the most donors contributing $25 or more, or the most donors under 35. Remaining funds will be split among all of the participating non-profits.
And the Self Family Foundation is matching $100 for the first 30 non-profits to raise $100 through the project.
Donors receive an immediate acknowledgement and receipt via email.
Creacy and Eddie say they were inspired by the success of the Give!Guide effort in Portland, which has raised more than $4 million in 7-years.
The campaign continues through December 31, 2011.